The Adventures of Tintin

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

Written By: Steven Moffat

Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis and Daniel Craig

Rated: PG

MY RATING: B+

A high tide of adventure for children and adults alike!

This film begins with news reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell) purchasing a model ship, the Unicorn, at a street market.  When a gentleman named Mr. Sakharine (Daniel Craig) shows a peculiar interest in the ship Tintin uses his research skills to find out why.  Soon he and his dog Snowy are racing against Mr. Sakharine to find answers.  Along the way they meet Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis) who drunkenly masters Sakharine’s ship and agrees to help Tintin and his four legged companion.  Captain Haddock reveals that his ancestor Sir Frances Haddock was forced to abandon the original Unicorn ship and now he proves to be the missing piece to the puzzle.  So the trio sets off on an air, land and sea adventure that is truly entertaining.

Pros: Superb animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy and Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock.

Cons: Storyline a little hard to follow at first.   

I'd say this is definitely worth seeing for the great animation and action! 

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1

Directed By: Bill Condon

Written By: Melissa Rosenberg (screenplay), Stephenie Meyer (novel)

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner

Rated: PG-13

MY RATING:  B+

Romantically wild and over the top fun for fans of the series!

Breaking Dawn Part 1 begins with Bella’s (Kristen Stewart) marriage to Edward (Robert Pattinson). Of course Jacob (Taylor Lautner) is not happy about the event and noticeably missing from the festivities. Later on their honeymoon Bella and Edward finally consummate their marriage. Defying what is known, Bella becomes pregnant which puts her life in danger and the lives of everyone around her. With the impending birth all bets are off, including the treaty, and it’s werewolves versus vampires. Everyone has choices to make in this film and you’ll have to check it out to see the paths they take.

Now I must admit that I am a fan of the series so my opinion is not completely unbiased. To be a fan of the Twilight series you have to put aside reality, good dialogue and sometimes good acting and just go on the romantic journey with Bella, Edward and Jacob. We know it’s silly but we don’t care and this time around I was not disappointed.

I wasn’t overly impressed with the wedding scene, visually or otherwise. Also there were moments when Bella looked as if she was terrified but yet she went through with it and we’re supposed to believe it was romantic. Um not so much. The honeymoon even got off to a shaky start for Bella (Stewart) but the scenery made up for it. Beautiful location! Then I was disappointed again when it came to the love making scenes. Not much was shown so they leave a lot to the imagination. But when Bella (Stewart) reflects on some of the moments with Edward (Pattinson) I thought it was beautifully done.  

The story really begins to take off however when Bella realizes she’s pregnant, 2 weeks into their honeymoon. From that point on I enjoyed the story and got a lot of what I was waiting for in some of the other Twilight films. The tension between Edward and Jacob (Lautner) was great as always. And I loved the werewolves! I think they do a great job capturing their essence!  The last 15 minutes of the film were the best and of course I won’t ruin them for you.

All in all it was one of my favorites of the series, maybe my favorite but I’m still trying to decide. Can’t wait for Breaking Dawn Part 2!

(Note to Parents: The scenes are very sexual and in my opinion more for children 16 and older.) 

I'd say if you’re a fan of the series then definitely see this one!

Eclipse

Directed By: David Slade
Written By: Melissa Rosenberg
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke and Xavier Samuel
Rated: PG-13

MY RATING: B

Finally, werewolves and vampires together, oh my!

Eclipse picks up with Bella (Kristen Stewart) finishing her senior year of high school with plans to marry Edward (Robert Pattinson) and become a vampire soon after.  She's also walking a fine line trying to maintain her friendship with Jacob (Taylor Lautner), Edward's natural enemy.  At the same time mysterious killings begin happening in Forks causing the werewolves and vampires to team up against this new threat.  With Edward and Jacob both willing to fight for and protect Bella, her final decision could do more harm than good.  But for now they must all get along to take down a common enemy then the saga shall continue.

Much better!  This third film in the saga was a culmination of what the first two were building on and I enjoyed the payoff.  This one offered lots more tension within the love triangle between Bella (Kristen Stewart), Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Jacob (Taylor Lautner).  The gloves came off and all cards on the table, leaving Bella with a choice to make.  It's getting good!  The action was brought back to the story too!  This time there was a nice battle amongst werewolves and vampires.  I never get enough of the effects used to create the hulking, menacing werewolves either!  It was also helpful to learn the backstories of Jasper (Jackson Rathbone) and Angela (Christian Serratos), they added more depth to the story. 
Then of course there was the addition of the "newborns," humans newly transformed into vampires, and they proved to be great adversaries in this third film.  I pretty much enjoyed this one all the way through.  I did feel like the love triangle was a bit over the top but I guess that's to be expected from a vampire romance.  I just feel like not too many people would put up with the things that Jacob did but I understand Edward (Pattinson) at the same time. 
Overall I really enjoyed this one and Twilight redeemed itself after New Moon.  Still Team Jacob!

So I'd say definitely check this one out!

New Moon

Directed By: Chris Weitz
Written By: Melissa Rosenberg
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke
Rated: PG-13

MY RATING: C-

Second time around, disappointing.

New Moon picks up with Bella (Kristen Stewart) preparing to celebrate her 18th birthday.  So the Cullens throw Bella a small birthday party at their house.  This proves to be a bad idea.  During the party Bella accidentally cuts herself throwing Jasper (Jackson Rathbone) into a blood thirsty rage that threatens her life.  Of course Edward (Robert Pattinson) is there to protect her but the event is cause for concern for the Cullens.  Bella is assured it was a one time incident but Edward takes precautions and he and his family decide to leave town ... and Bella.  With Edward gone, Bella falls into a deep depression that only the companionship of Jacob (Taylor Lautner) can break.  Just as she and Jacob get closer he begins to act strange and disappears on her too.  Later Bella learns that his secret is a family lineage of werewolves which is passed down to him.  She decides to stick by her friend, whom she's now come to depend on.  Then Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre) returns for revenge leading Edward to take drastic measures for his true love, Bella.  This begins the infamous love triangle.  Whose side are you on? 

Sad to say but I was let down by this one.  I mean it wasn't a total bust, the werewolves were definitely worth seeing but there wasn't much else.  I'm sorry but the entire middle section of the film just dragged.  Maybe it reads better in the novel but on screen I didn't want to watch Bella's (Kristen Stewart) depression drag on and on.  It just wasn't the same without the vampires, especially Edward (Robert Pattinson).  Also the dialogue was even more ridiculous this time around.  I laughed a lot at the sheer silliness of the things that were said.  I actually felt too old to be watching this movie.  However I certainly peeked at Taylor Lautner's abs.  Other than the eye candy and the werewolves, things did not pick back up until the end of the film.  I know the relationship between Bella and Jacob had to be established but it just wasn't as fascinating as the one that bloomed with Edward. 
All in all it's worth seeing to stay on top of the growing Twilight story but the first one was definitely better. 

So I'd say see it so you keep up with the story but there's no rush.

Twilight

Directed By: Catherine Hardwicke
Written By: Melissa Rosenberg (screenplay) and Stephanie Meyer (novel)
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Taylor Lautner and Cam Gigandet
Rated: PG-13

MY RATING: B

I'm sure the book is way better but this first film is sure to please as well.

In this first Twilight movie Bella (Kristen Stewart) moves to the town of Forks, Washington to live with her dad, Charlie.  She starts high school and learns about a strange group of pale faced foster siblings known as the Cullens.  One in particular, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) is mysterious and sexy and catches Bella's eye.  She's told not to waste her breath however because the Cullens pretty much keep to themselves.  Fate takes over putting Edward and Bella side by side in biology class and it becomes apparent that Edward has a reaction to Bella too.  An event draws them closer until they cannot deny their chemistry for one another.  But Bella (Stewart) notices things about Edward (Pattinson) that lead her to question his existence.  She digs deeper, does some research and realizes she's not dealing with a mortal man but instead a vampire.  The two become entangled and fall head over heels in love which puts everyone at risk.  The question then becomes, can a human and a vampire have a relationship without anyone getting hurt?

Now when I saw this film I was not trying to become a Twihard and only wanted to see what all the hype was about.  I got roped in by the publicity but this first film actually kept me interested.  I got drawn into the character of Bella (Kristen Stewart) and wanted to see how her life would change in the town of Forks.  So by the time the weird Cullens were introduced I was just as intrigued as Bella.  When Edward (Robert Pattinson) walked in I was mesmerized by him as well.  Sure things get weird for awhile but you're along for the ride, waiting to see what's going to happen next.  The music takes you away as well and keeps you on the journey.  Then there's action too!  A trio of nomadic vampires enter the town and they are not there to play nice.  They definitely gave me what I was looking for!  But of course Twilight is mainly known for the romance between Bella and Edward and this film was a great introduction to that.  Yes it's hard to relate to their whirlwind romance but we're not dealing with ordinary circumstance. 
I mean this is just the type of film that you either fall in love with or you hate it.  Nothing about it is realistic so you can't be too critical.  Also all of the human characters are supposed to be teenagers so don't expect the best dialogue.  Leave that to the ancient vampires.  I think this is a nice, youthful, romantic, vampire love story set against beautiful scenery with some pretty good effects added in. 
At the end of the day after seeing this film I hate to admit it but I'm now a Twilight fan.  Team Jacob!


So I say if you're into romance and vampires then definitely check this out!

Race to Witch Mountain

Directed By: Andy Fickman
Written By: Matt Lopez and Mark Bomback
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig
Rated: PG

MY RATING: B -

Action-packed race?  Yes.  Nothing else super impressive though.

In Race to Witch Mountain Dwayne Johnson plays Jack Bruno, an ex-convict cab driver.  While on route one day two young passengers suddenly appear in his cab and pay for a very interesting ride.  Of course Jack (Johnson) learns that these are no ordinary kids but in fact beings from another planet (disguised in human form) who now need his help to save their planet and ours.  Along the way they elicit the help of a scientist and UFO expert, Dr. Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino) and together they head to Witch Mountain to find the aliens' lost spaceship and help them return home. 

A very nice little thrill ride for kids, I must say.  It's definitely non-stop action and I can't say I've seen this many special effects in a rated PG movie.  Everyone was effective at their job.  Dwayne Johnson was protective, rough around the edges and funny.  The kids (AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig) were innocent, intelligent and analytical, the way any good alien would be.  It's kind of hard to balance being newly human and a super intelligent being from another planet at the same time.  They did a decent job though.  Its also difficult to make things in an alien movie seem realistic.  You kind of just have to go along for the ride not expecting too much, especially from a kid's film. 
This one was entertaining for sure but felt a little rushed at the end and too smooth throughout.  There weren't enough conflicts and everyone seemed to go along with this excursion a little too easily.  It was more like, yeah sure aliens show up in Las Vegas everyday ... well maybe they do. 
Bottom line, this is a Disney film so just keep an open mind and see it for the action and you'll have a good time.

I say see it with the kids, you'll all enjoy it!

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Directed By: Rob Marshall
Written By: Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane & Geoffrey Rush
Rated: PG-13

MY RATING: C+

On Stranger Tides sets sail with Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) on a mission to find the fountain of youth.  They're not the only ones looking for it however.  In this film they introduced Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and his daughter Angelica (Penelope Cruz) and they too are after the fountain.  Along with Blackbeard comes his crew, new shipmates which include zombies and a kidnapped missionary (played by Sam Claflin).  On their voyage they encounter mermaids, one of which is held prisoner for her tears (Astrid Berges-Frisbey), an element needed to access the full power of the fountain of youth.  Jack (Depp) learns that the water must be drunk from two goblets, one extending life while the other ends a person's life.  The question then becomes who will reach the fountain of youth first and take the lucky sip?

Now this latest installment of Pirates of the Caribbean had a lot to prove.  After seeing At World's End I was left so disappointed.  However I'm usually a loyal fan so I was still excited to see this one.  After all, 2 out of the 3 were good.
On Stranger Tides started off a little slow for me while it was setting up the story and Jack Sparrow's (Depp) whereabouts.  Naturally he's gotten himself into trouble again but I feel the first 20 minutes could have been cut in half.  The beginning was building up to the introduction of Angelica (Cruz) and when the story started to take off.  It had it's ups and downs though.  There were good solid story points that were really interesting and then there were scenes that dragged a little and needed some trimming.
I loved that this one returned to the dark side like Dead Man's Chest.  At World's End was a little too out there for me.  I was disappointed in the zombies of "On Stranger Tide" but the mermaids delivered the real thrill ride!  No singing Ariel here! 
Ian McShane did a great job as Blackbeard, the new villain.  But of course Johnny Depp was his usual brilliant self as Jack Sparrow.  I mean after all why else go to see these movies?

Overall it was a little long but fell in line with the other two films, they're all pretty lengthy.  Still, it had a pretty good story that was easy to follow with smart, witty dialogue.  I liked the new characters and the effects were great, especially those mermaids.  Dead Man's Chest is still my favorite and I think they can wrap up this series but it wasn't a wasted trip to the movies.
So if you enjoyed all of the other Pirates of the Caribbean movies then you'll enjoy this one.  If you didn't like At World's End then rest assured, this one's better.

(Note to Parents: The mermaids may be a little too scary for children under age 7.) 

I say see it but there's no rush.