Occupant

Occupant (NR) 2010

Directed by Henry Miller

Starring:  Van Hansis, Cody Horn, Thorsten Kaye, Jamie Harrold, Lou Ferguson, Scott Gregory,
David Little and Dylan Clark Marshall

Here We Go:  When Danny's (Hansis) grandmother passes away, he suddenly inherits her rent controlled apartment.  The catch is that he is forced to stay locked in the apartment for several days, which kicks off a series of events that leads Danny to believe that he's sharing his new space with someone, or something, else.  It's a pretty creepy concept on paper, but it never really comes full circle.  At the end of the movie, you're tempted to think that you just saw a pretty good movie, but then...wait...so when that one guy did that one thing, did it mean this or something else? What did that other thing mean?  And what was that one guy about?  Certain questions are just left hanging there and you end up feeling unsatisfied, and all anyone can agree on is that they just don't have absolute answers.  This isn't your typical horror movie, and that much is refreshing, but that's as far as my compliment will stretch.

Bottom Line:  I don't blame you if you're curious, but watch it only if it's free.

Oblivion

Oblivion (NR) 2013

Directed by Joseph Kosinski

Starring:  Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau , Melissa Leo, Zoe Bell, Andrea Riseborough and James Rawlings

Here We Go:  In a post alien apocalypse  Tom Cruise and Andrea Risborough are responsible for overseeing the safety of giant harvesters left on earth to siphon its remaining resources.  An interesting and original story that throws you for a twist about 2/3 of the way through is a refreshing change from the typical alien invasion film.  The story, and its twists, are reminiscent of the sci-fi thrillers of the '70s and early '80s.  But make no mistake, the special effects of this movie make it very clear that this is not the '70s or 80s'.  The film is a visually stunning depiction of post apocalyptic earth that is, thankfully, not overdone.  While the plot is not overly confusing, you may need to watch it twice to put the pieces of the puzzle together, so make sure you pay attention!

Bottom Line:   Watch it!

One for the Money

One for the Money (2012)  PG-13

Directed by Julie Anne Robinson

Starring:  Katherine Heigl, Jason O'Mara, Daniel Sunjata, John Leguizamo, Sherri Shepherd, and Debbie Reynolds

Here We Go:  At first I was thinking Katherine Heigl just highjacked the plot from The Bounty Hunter, but this movie was a pleasant surprise - even though it wasn't drop down hysterical.  Nothing terribly original in the story, but Heigl's down-and-out character is likable and entertaining.  The ladies will probably be wondering throughout whether she will end up with Jason O'Mara or Daniel Sunjata, but I won't ruin that one for you.  It was a little odd that Sunjata kept getting mystery calls to run away after helping Heigl.  At first I thought this was on purpose and that the mystery calls would go somewhere but, alas, it was just a way to get him out of the scene.  The film's main protagonist, Gavin-Keith Umeh, is a murderous rapist that says maybe 15 words through the whole movie.  Could have used some more development on him but this was a comedy aside from being the main bad guy, he really didn't have a role.  

Bottom Line:  Probably not worth spending any money on (hence its bombing at the box office) but worth renting for 90 minutes of entertainment.  

Oz the Great and Powerful

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) PG

Directed by: Sam Raimi

Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, Bill Cobbs, and Joey King

Here We Go:  I came in with high expectations due to all the buzz around the visual effects.  The visuals did not disappoint.   James Franco, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams were all well cast; however, Mila Kunis only seemed right for the first half of the movie.  Kunis does shy/cute/funny well - evil witch not so much.  It's an all around good story that did not seem like the 130 minutes that it was.  I would have liked more of the battle scenes between the good and evil but this was Oz not Return of the Jedi so I can't complain too much.  The "new" characters (China Doll and Finley the Monkey) were well placed and added to the overall enjoyment of the movie.  Overall, Oz the Great and Powerful is a witty, engaging and visually pleasing movie that is right for kids and adults.  I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Bottom Line:  Watch it.  Buy tickets for you and the kids.