Cloud Atlas

Cloud Atlas (R) 2012

Directed by Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski and Tom Tykwer

Starring: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, Keith David, James D'Arcy, Xun Zhou, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon and Hugh Grant

Here We Go:  From the 19th century to the 1970s and then well into a futuristic society, Cloud Atlas shows how the lives of  individuals change and touch each other across the span of many lifetimes.  Ok, what?  If not for the amazing actors, the fantastic sets, and being able to see the significant transformations of each person over time, I probably would have stopped this movie after 10 minutes.  I was so lost and had so many questions that there really wasn't any good reason for me to go on.  Then, towards the end, things started to make sense and the moral of the story/ending was really just so beautiful and profound.  I went from lost and confused to having a striking Ah-ha Moment.  If that you're looking for something that is going to be a light, airy movie that you don't have to give your full attention, this isn't the one for you.

Bottom Line:  If you like a movie that is full of intricate detail, watch it!

World War Z

World War Z (PG-13) 2013

Directed by Marc Forster

Starring:  Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Matthew Fox, Eric Weston, David Morse, James Badge Dale, Elyes Gabel, David Andrews, Michiel Huisman and Julian Seager

Here We Go:  The world is being taken over by zombies and Gerry (Pitt) is a former United Nations investigator who is racing around the globe trying to find a way to prevent the end of mankind.  This is like a cross between Contagion and I Am Legend (but with zombies, of course).  The effects are great, the plot makes sense and the acting is solid, which makes the whole story seem realistic.  The only criticism I have is that the guy sitting behind me would forget how to use his "inside voice" throughout the film and I was lacking any solid objects for throwing that I was willing to dispose of.  But other than that, the movie had several nail biting moments and the zombies weren't walking pixels (bonus!).

Bottom Line:  Watch it!

Jack the Giant Slayer

Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13) 2013

Directed by Bryan Singer

Starring:  Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy, Ewan McGregor, Eddie Marsan, Ewen Bremner, Christopher Fairbank and Warwick Davis

Here We Go:  The classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk gets a special effects makeover for this larger than life giants vs. humans face-off.  The scale of this movie is impressive and the story all makes sense, but there is just something about this movie that is just a little underwhelming.  The action/fighting scenes are pretty cool and love interest angle is predictable but sweet enough.  There's just something that was missing.  I guess there's just too much predictability and not enough twist, but I can see how kids would like this.

Bottom Line:  Watch it if you need a time killer or if you're sick of playing with your Legos - but only if it's free.

Epic

Epic (PG) 2013

Directed by Chris Wedge

Starring:   Beyoncé Knowles, Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Knoxville, Aziz Ansari, Jason Sudeikis, Steven Tyler, Judah Friedlander and Blake Anderson

Here We Go:  The human world and the magical world of miniature forest people accidentally come together to save the world from evil foes that are trying to kill it all.  The scale and detail of Epic are impressive, and it makes you feel as though you have been transported to that world.  Children and adults will be equally entertained by the story, scenery and comedy found in this movie.  Personal favorites are definitely the snail (Hutcherson) and slug (Ansari).  I mean, a jealous slug with a huge crush on a human is just plain funny.  Even the battle scenes are impressive, and it's nice to see strong male and female roles.  No weak girls cowering away from a fight here!  

Bottom Line:  This is one to watch!

Sucker Punch

Sucker Punch (PG-13) 2011

Directed by Zack Snyder

Starring:  Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Carla Gugino, Oscar Isaac, Jon Hamm and Scott Glenn

Here We Go:  Babydoll (Browning) is sent to a shady asylum where she teams up with other patients and plans an escape.  Sure, at the root of this movie there is definitely a disturbing foundation where girls are taken advantage of and politics and money mean more than the moral high-ground.  But the way that this movie shifts from reality to fantasy, and takes the girls out of their vulnerable roles into being deadly warriors, just makes it all eye candy.  Reality is a dark 1950s world that looks touched by Tim Burton.  Fantasy is world of action packed, robot slaying and full-on combat with some guidance from a sensei-like Scott Glenn.   Mix together an awesome soundtrack, sexy women battling it out with guns and swords, and a larger than life fantasy world, and you end up with a pretty hot movie. 

Bottom Line:  If you like an action packed movie that doesn't follow the typical prototype, this is the movie for you.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (R) 2012

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov

Starring:  Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rufus Sewell, Marton Csokas, Jimmi Simpson, Joseph Mawle, Robin McLeavy, Alan Tudyk, Jaqueline Fleming, Laura Cayouette, John Rothman and Erin Wasson

Here We Go:  I have to admit that the concept of Abraham Lincoln slaying vampires kept me away from this movie for awhile.  But eventually it was time to see how it was possible to mash Honest Abe and vampires.  Surprisingly, the concept worked.  Abraham Lincoln wasn't a necessary part of the story (it could have been anyone) but the writers did a nice job of mixing Abe's story into the plot of vampire hunting.  There were a few scenes that were a bit outlandish but what do you expect when you are watching a movie about Abraham Lincoln being a vampire hunter?  Overall this was an entertaining pleasant surprise.  

Bottom Line:  Watch it but only if it's free. 

Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror (PG) 2012

Directed by Tarsem Singh

Starring:  Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane, Mare Winningham, Michael Lerner, Sean Bean, Danny Woodburn, Martin Klebba, Sebastian Saraceno, Jordan Prentice, Mark Povinelli, Joe Gnoffo, Ronald Lee Clark and Robert Emms

Here We Go:  This version of the Snow White story finds Snow White (Colins) running from her evil stepmother (Roberts) to the helping hands of a scrappy group of dwarfish thieves.  The dwarfs teach Snow White how to use the art of thieving to win back her kingdom and free her people from the Queen's tyranny.  Of course, the basic story line of this fairy tale is true to form; however, this version is very refreshing!  It is colorful, feisty, funny and fun!  Children and adults will get lost in this magically whimsical world, the costumes are amazing and the Indie number at the end puts a charming cherry on top.

Bottom Line:  Grab some popcorn, because this one is one to watch!

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!

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games (PG-13) 2012

Directed by Gary Ross

Starring:  Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Wes Bentley, Toby Jones, Alexander Ludwig and Isabelle Fuhrman

Here We Go:  It can be hard for popular novels to make it to the big screen and live up to the detailed expectations of the book, but this film was on point.  During a time when the world has been reduced to enclosed Districts, the citizens scrape by while those who live in The Capitol prosper.  The Hunger Games basically pull two citizens from each District, drop them into a environment controlled by The Capitol, and the players' progress is broadcast for all to see as they kill each other off.  The last one standing wins.  It's a twisted and emotionally charged concept.  Even without reading the book, you'll have a good understanding of what's going on.  Lawerence is so believably cast as Katniss that you truly feel as though you're going through each step and decision right along with her.  Prepare to walk away from this movie wanting to operate a bow and arrow like a champ.  While this movie caters to a younger crowd, people of all ages will find it well done and disturbingly entertaining.  

Bottom Line:  Watch it and get ready for the second movie to follow!

In Time

In Time (2011) PG-13

Directed by Andrew Niccol

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Justin Timberlake, Cillian Murphy, Vincent Kartheiser, Olivia Wilde, Johnny Galecki, Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer, Shyloh Oostwald, Yaya Alafia, Ethan Peck, Toby Hemingway

Here We Go:  This is a movie full of young and beautiful people. It's like an entire society based on the pages of a catalog.  Overall, the plot was disturbing and good.  Imagine only being allotted a certain amount of time to live, and then having to trade seconds of your life for things like a cup of coffee!  It's such a wild concept and it's interesting to see how their society works within these constrictions.  Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried work well together on screen as two unlikely lovers from different socioeconomic backgrounds. In other words, Seyfried has all the time in the world and Timberlake is living minute by minute.  There were several nail biting moments and plenty of down-to-wire action.

Bottom Line: Watch it. The interesting concept, settings and characters make this movie worth seeing.

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.