Soul Surfer

Directed By: Sean McNamara
Written By: Sean McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz & Michael Berk
Starring: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Carrie Underwood
Rated: PG

MY RATING: C

Surfer? Yes.  Soul?  Could've used a little more.

This film is based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a surfer who lost an arm in a freak shark attack accident.  The film begins by showing Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) as a little girl growing up on the beaches of Hawaii with her family of surfers.  Her mom (Helen Hunt) and dad (Dennis Quaid) were both surfers so it was natural that she would be born with the ability and passion for the sport also.  Fast forward to Bethany (Robb) as a teenager living a carefree life surfing and spending time with her friends and family.  With the help of her mom (Hunt) and dad (Quaid) she trains for an upcoming surf competition, a competition that her childhood bestfriend Alana (Lorraine Nicholson) is also training for.  While out training one day she is bitten by a shark and loses an arm.  Bethany perseveres and learns to live her daily life with this missing limb and also finds the will to continue surfing.

This was a sweet, cute movie, nothing more, nothing less.  The surfing scenes were about the most action you'll get in the film.  The most impressive things were that the surfing was real with the real Bethany Hamilton doing the stunt surfing for AnnaSophia Robb. Also the great special effects job they did to make AnnaSophia Robb appear to have a missing arm. 
It took a little while for the shark attack to happen while they set up Bethany's (Robb) life and relationships.  For me it took a little too long and when the moment happened it was pretty predictable.  I was looking for more of a surprise.  Also everyone was so calm during and after the shark attack which didn't fit.  But it turns out that the real Bethany Hamilton actually remained calm so I guess I can't critique that too much.  I'm just used to things being exaggerated for entertainment sake and in this film the Hamiltons were very much involved and wanted the film to be as close to real life as possible which I think takes away from the film a little. 
Also this was our introduction to Carrie Underwood as an actress and I think she did an okay job.  She wasn't great and she wasn't bad.  She played Sarah Hill, Bethany's Christian youth leader but her spiritual role wasn't enough for me.  Maybe they didn't want the movie to be too preachy but for the real life Hamiltons to hold their Christianity so dear to them I don't think Soul Surfer painted a clear enough picture of that aspect of their lives. 

But overall it was a cute movie for the whole family.  I mean it's worth making the kids watch it for the inspirational message.  There were good scenes where Bethany (Robb) realizes her purpose in life and comes to terms with why the accident happened to her.  I even teared up a couple of times.  It was more like a good Hallmark movie but not one of the best "based on a true story" films I've seen.  I'll say I pretty much got what I expected from this movie: a cutsie, family film that's pretty entertaining and not too complicated. 

So my recommendation is if you have kids then definitely see it, but there's no rush.  If you don't have kids you can check it out on cable.  I wouldn't say skip it because it's worth knowing Bethany Hamilton's story. 

Cowboys & Aliens

Directed By: Jon Favreau
Written By: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof, Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby
Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde
Rated: PG-13

MY RATING: B -

This film takes place in 1873 in Arizona Territory.  Daniel Craig plays a man who finds himself in a strange town with no memory of how he got there or who he is.  To add to his confusion he has a strange contraption strapped to his wrist that is a clue to his mysterious past.  While in the town of Absolution Jake (Daniel Craig) and the townspeople experience terror when they're attacked by an object from the sky.  People go missing and Jake's strange bracelet seems to be a clue.  So a group led by Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) sets off into the dessert to find their people before it's too late.

This was a solid movie for me.  I was definitely entertained!  They focused more on the western aspects of the film rather than the sci-fi and that held it's weight for the story.  I found myself involved in the characters and emotionally attached to a few which means a pretty good script.  There also was plenty of action and good ole western brawls.  Then of course there's payoff when we finally get to see those aliens.  I won't say much but if you're a fan of alien movies then you'll enjoy what Jon Favreau did with these.  The special effects were great!  I was not disappointed in this area and that's big for me.  There were some holes in the Ella Swenson character played by Olivia Wilde.  From her first appearance on screen she seems out of place.  As you go further into the film you learn more about her but you're still left with questions.  I also wasn't feeling the chemistry between her and Jake (Daniel Craig), it was just okay. 
Looking for Harrison Ford to be some kind of Indian Jones character?  Not this time around.  His job was to be mean throughout most of the film intimidating other characters yet he hardly did anything but talk so towards the end of the film I was a little annoyed by him.  There's also a point where a tribe of Native Americans enter the story and at first it's a little weird but later their presence is justified and adds to the story.  The film felt a tad bit long with a running time of 1 hour and 58 minutes, but only by a little bit.   

Bottom line you don't go to see this type of film for top-notch acting and writing.  There were a couple of over-the-top moments but that's what you expect in a film like this.  Cowboys & Aliens delivered exactly what it was supposed to - a clear, easy to follow storyline, great action, some suspense and great special effects.  The costumes and set design were great too!   
So because these characters had weight and there actually was a real story I'd say this was one of the better action movies I've seen this summer. 

I'd say you should definitely see it but there's no rush.

How Do You Know

Directed By: James L. Brooks
Written By: James L. Brooks
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson and Jack Nicholson
Rated: R

MY RATING: C-

How do you know when you're in love?  Not by watching this film.

In this newest James L. Brooks film Reese Witherspoon plays Lisa, a softball player on the USA olympic womens softball team.  After helping her team win a gold metal she is cut from the team because of her age.  She also starts dating Matty (Owen Wilson), a cocky, womanizing star baseball player.  Meanwhile businessman George (Paul Rudd) is dealing with legal problems at his father's (Jack Nicholson) company and a recent breakup.  One of Lisa's teammates had given George (Rudd) Lisa's number so he decides to give her a call and she finds herself in a love triangle.  Now she must figure out "How Do You Know."

I was so looking forward to this film because it's written and directed by James L. Brooks who also did As Good As It Gets, one of my all time favorite films.  But it was no where near on that level, even with Jack Nicholson.  The dialogue was great!  Brooks has a way with the english language but as a romantic comedy the romance fell very short for me.  I don't know what it was but something was missing for me.  There was no chemistry between Reese Witherspoon and her two leading men (Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson).  The guys were great!  Paul Rudd's character reminded me of his role in Clueless, I just loved him.  He was adorable and his usual funny self.  Owen Wilson was no surprise either and stole the show delivering some of the funniest moments.  But I wasn't a fan of the Lisa character Reese Witherspoon played.  She was emotionless throughout the entire film.  By the end I didn't think she needed to be with anyone and actually could use some therapy.  George (Rudd) was too good for her and Matty (Wilson) was too much of a jerk.  So what did I enjoy about this film?  Again, the dialogue, Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson.  But as far as romantic comedies go, this would be towards the bottom of my list.  I can't say that I would watch it again but it held my attention enough the first time around.

So I'd say eh this is one you can wait for t.v. to see if nothing else is on.

The Smurfs

Directed By: Raja Gosnell
Written By: J. David Stem (screenplay) and Peyo (characters)
Starring: Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, George Lopez & Katy Perry
Rated: PG

MY RATING: C+

Silly, adorable, little blue fun.

This movie begins with the Smurfs in their happy little village living merrily.  Enter Gargamel (Hank Azaria) who is after them for their Smurf essence and ends up chasing them into a portal that transports them to our world, New York City to be exact.  Now trapped in the big city the Smurfs must find a way back before Gargamel hunts them down.  Along the way they stumble upon Patrick (Neil Patrick Harris) and his wife Grace (Jayma Mays) who wind up taking care of them while they try to get back home.  Pretty simple and sweet and that about sums up this movie.

I found The Smurfs to be an adorable interpretation for the next generation.  I am one of those kids who grew up watching the cartoon so I was a little skeptical about this new version but I was entertained.  The highlight of this movie is the animation.  I mean they made these new Smurfs the cutest things I've ever seen!  They also had great personalities too!  I wasn't a huge fan of George Lopez as Grouchy Smurf but his character took more of a backseat so that was good.  Surprisingly Katy Perry was great as Smurfette and unrecognizable which is always a good thing when you're doing voice acting in an animated films.  Alan Cumming was hilarious as Gutsy Smurf and Jonathan Winters was sweet and protective as the lovable Papa Smurf.  Now of course Hank Azaria as Gargamel and his sidekick cat Azrael were the funniest things in the whole movie.  I'm also biased because I love cats so I got a kick out of everything that damn cat did.  Thank goodness they didn't give the cat a voice but he was animated to give him expressions which cracked me up.  I would have to watch it again to catch all of Hank Azaria's lines because I was too busy laughing to hear them all.  He's just a comedic genius. 
The humor is definitely more for kids but parents will enjoy this too.  This is the type of movie you watch just to be a kid again and laugh and not take things too seriously.  You have to ignore the ad agency storyline they added in with Sofia Vergara and Tim Gunn.  Didn't quite fit or add anything to this movie.  You also have to ignore a terribly long scene where Neil Patrick Harris has a jam session with the Smurfs playing Guitar Hero.  It was funny at first and then it went on way too long.  You must ignore the visual disconnect when the Smurfs are supposed to be interacting with Patrick (Harris) and Grace (Mays).  You can tell the actors didn't fully know where the Smurfs were going to be.  Finally, ignore your confusion when an overly clumsy Gargamel suddenly becomes all powerful towards the end of the film.  Huh?  Shhssh it's good enough for the kids.  At the end of the day I was entertained enough.  It was cute, funny and heartwarming but not one to add to a list of classic family films.  

So I'd say if you don't have kids to drag you to this movie then you can wait for DVD or cable. 

Captain America: The First Avenger

Directed By: Joe Johnston
Written By: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely
Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Tommy Lee Jones & Stanley Tucci
Rated: PG-13

MY RATING: C

This movie follows Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) who starts off as a thin, frail man with ambitions to join the military and fight for his country during World War II.  Steve Rogers is turned down over and over because of his size and health limitations until he meets Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) who sees past his physical appearance and puts faith in his character.  Dr. Erskine uses Rogers for a top secret research experiment that turns him into a Super Soldier.  With his newfound abilities Captain America must save the world from Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) and his followers.

Now for me I'm sorry but this film was just okay.  I believe it did the comic book justice for fans of Captain America (so I'm told) but for a novice looking for great action, a sexy hero and impressive special effects, I was disappointed.
I will say that I'm not a fan of war movies and being that this movie takes place during World War II and is a large focus, that could have something to do with it.
But aside from that I wasn't that impressed with Captain America's abilities.  I kept waiting for his shield to do more or for him to have some sort of fancy impressive vehicle but that didn't happen.  Also surprisingly Chris Evans didn't have that sex appeal that I usually look for in a super hero.  I don't know what was missing but it wasn't there for me.  He's no Thor (Chris Hemsworth) or Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.).
I think if this weren't a super hero movie it would've been better, meaning if it was just a drama about a man who suddenly gains strength and fights for his country  This movie had too much story and dealt with too serious of a topic for it to be lighthearted and fun the way comic book movies should be.  Also Red Skull (Weaving) wasn't that great of a villain either.  I hope there are better ones in the comic books.  I enjoyed the budding relationship between Rogers (Evans) and Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) but as usual it was rushed and not developed enough for me to feel for them.  I loved the beginning of the film and there's definitely a lot of humor but the action sequences were too cartoony for my taste.  I was still entertained but left wanting more and feeling like some things were missing. 
The Avengers movie is due out next summer which I'm definitely looking forward to and hope Captain America is more impressive next time around. 

So I'd say see it but there's no rush.