The Mechanic (2011)

The Mechanic is of Chuck Norris proportions! Its has a ton of bloody violence and intense action sequences, many of which are unbelievable. With that said, Jason Statham is the English version of Chuck, minus the legendary pop culture status. Statham has been in many action flicks over the last few years many of which stink. For example, The Transporter trilogy and Crank plus its unfortunate sequel. Now if you like stupid, unintelligent situations, plot sequencing, and character invincibility these are the films for you. To me, a great action movie makes you want to be that hero. Most action movies these days don't possess that. The Mechanic isn't much different, although it is a decent movie. It is also a remake of the Charles Bronson classic by the same name released in 1972. I haven't seen the original so I have no comparison to make.

The premise of the movie is action simple. Arthur Bishop (Statham) is a contract killer. He is employed by an unnamed organization led by Dean (Tony Goldwyn) and Bishops only friend and mentor Harry (Donald Sutherland). Naturally since Arthur is a killer he lacks the skills to make real human connections. So he has no real friends besides Harry and his favorite prostitute. One fine day in assassin land, Arthur receives the unfortunate task of killing a close associate. And soon there after Harry's estranged son Steve (Ben Foster) becomes Arthur's sidekick and assassin in training. Shenanigan's ensue!

Strengths: The Mechanic is a pretty good action movie. It is better than most Statham films and more realistic than most movies he is in. The addition of Ben Foster to the cast is a plus as he is one of Hollywood's finer young actors. Think Ryan Gosling without the Oscar nomination.

The movie is short and straight to the point. So where it lacks it makes up for with not wasting a lot of your time.

Weaknesses: The primary weak spot for me was character likability. I did not connect with anyone in the movie. I won't say who lives or dies, but all the characters in one way or another deserve death for their disregard for human life. As the film goer you basically feel like an outsider watching a train wreck in a snow globe. While that is good sometimes, it would be nice to know that at least one character was not a total sociopathic jerk. That's not the case with The Mechanic. Another main weak area is believability. Yes, I know that I described it above as more believable than most recent action movies, especially from Statham, but it still exaggerates a great deal. I will leave it at that.

Recommendations: This is basically a guy movie. Its bloody. Its violent. It has some nudity and the language is appropriate for a typical action film. It is not a kids movie, so parents attempt some common sense and leave the kids with a sitter. Its not even a good date movie. I did like it, but it is really only meant for a guys night out.

The Tourist (2010)

Let me begin this review on a good note, I don't like Angelina Jolie. She is pretty and talented I must say, but she doesn't quite reach the standard that the media shoves down all of our throats and certainly not her own. She has way too many cameras forcefully and yes willingly shoved up her skinny backside to be considered a true humanitarian in this world. I don't care how many children from third world countries she adopts or if she's married to Brad Pitt. I am not her biggest fan. So it almost goes without saying that I really wasn't that interested in viewing The Tourist. If I wasn't such a Johnny Depp fan I wouldn't have taken my wife to see it.

So let me attempt to put my biases aside for a moment to give a synopsis of the film..

The Tourist is somewhat of a caper movie. Jolie plays Elise, an elegant and mysterious character that is being watched by international authorities while they seek to apprehend her former lover and thief extraordinaire, Alexander Peirce. From the beginning of the film, Peirce via mail carrier sends Elise notes advising her on what steps she can take for them to be reunited. The first step requires her to find a tourist who can serve as a reliable dupe for Pierce as the investigators don't know what he looks like. The dupe will either be arrested on suspicion of being Peirce. Oh by the way, the international police aren't the only ones looking for him. The thug nasty mobsters he stole from want their money and his head. Shenanigans deluxe ensue!

Strengths: Johnny Depp of course! His character is charming, funny, and unsuspecting. The perfect dupe. The movie has some good action scenes and is entertaining most of the time. It also has a surprise ending that really saves the movie from being a "dud" overall. It would also make a great date movie.

Weaknesses: Now it is time to bring my biases back. Angelina Jolie is the biggest problem in this movie. She is stiff and smug the entire film. She spends most of the movie swaying her hips with every step, showing viewers how much she likes herself. She probably should have concentrated on acting the way she is capable of. Her character is unlikable and she has no chemistry with Depp onscreen. Another problem with the film, as alluded to above, is the pacing. It is really slow to get the ball rolling. The trailers for the movie would have you believe that there is non-stop action. In reality, the plot develops very slowly and half the film is over before you see much action. The police are incredibly stupid too. They spend the entire time running in circles while the criminals they are chasing make them look like idiots.

Recommendation: This film is hardly a must-see. If you are a big Johnny Depp it is. If you are a big fan of Angelina Jolie you probably don't care that she sucks big time in this movie. The language isn't bad by Hollywood standards. There is no nudity. The action is of the non-bloody variety. It is pretty safe for most viewers with the exception of small children and they would probably be more interested in watching something more fun like Despicable Me (currently available to rent) or Megamind (soon to be available to rent). And as mentioned above guys, a good opportunity to take the wife or girlfriend to.

Piranha 3D (2010)

If you like traditional horror films that are campy, filled with cheesy dialogue, blood, gore, and enough breast shots to rival any monthly issue of Playboy, then Piranha 3D is the movie for you!

It is more of what you would like a horror movie to be, fun! These kinds of horror flicks are difficult to find in today's current state of film. The popularity of super serious and grotesque in the genre via the awful Saw series, the ultra violent remakes of Halloween and The Hills Have Eyes, and the mundane repetition of the Final Destination series, horror is probably more popular than ever, yet not nearly as fun and enjoyable. The remake of Piranha is a nostalgic return to the fun attempts at horror while managing to fill in all the typical attributes that make a film as such.

The plot is simple as most horror movies are. Elizabeth Shue plays Sheriff Julie Forester. She is the head of the local law enforcement at a lake resort town that is currently entertaining thousands of youngsters visiting the area for spring break. Naturally the party environment is in full swing and Sheriff Forester along with primary assistant Deputy Fallon (Ving Rhames) is having a busy week. She has three children. One is Jake who is a teenager looking to actually join the weeks lively events while attempting to avoid baby sitting his younger brother and sister. Young Jake receives this opportunity when adult film maker Derrick Jones (Jerry O'Connell) approaches him to be his local tour guide to the lakes hottest spots while he shoots his latest films. Jake also manages unsuccessfully avoid babysitting duty. He accordingly pays his younger siblings money to stay put while he goes on his adventure. Meanwhile, scuba diving scientists visiting the lake to investigate a recent seismic event discover a very dangerous situation that depends Sheriff Forester's immediate attention. Shenanigan's ensue!

Strengths: Piranha 3D is a very traditional horror film. It has plenty of blood, gore, nudity, and laughs. It is entertaining yet and not overly or realistically violent like other horror movies like we see in this current age of film. The acting isn't spectacular but as far as most movies in the same genre, it ain't bad. Most of the characters are likable and the viewer will connect with them enough not to want to see them perish. The ones that are less likable draw laughs while they are alive and will draw more laughs as they die in dramatic fashion.

Weaknesses: Simplicity and while this may be a fact, the common viewer wouldn't expect much less from a horror movie. The acting isn't great and the character development is lacking. Again all of these ascribed weaknesses are common in a horror movie. The nudity is more gratuitous than most movies and some of the death scenes revolve around these particular aspect of Piranha. Some of the death scenes are over the top and for reasons you will find upon viewing will be crude, vulgar, and at the same time pretty funny.

Recommendations: This movie is for people 18 and over. Parents I would think twice about letting any children younger than this to rent. It has plenty of foul language, adult situations, gratuitous nudity, drug use, bloody violence, and horror film gore. It would be a great movie for young adults to watch on a movie night. This movie could also be great for a movie date night for those young dating and married couples. So, if you are looking for a great traditional horror movie to watch, them Piranha 3D is a good choice.

The Kids are Alright (2010)

There is no doubt about it, Hollywood loves gay. And so does the Academy who awards Hollywood's finest at its annual Oscar event. With that said, there is nothing wrong with that and to prove this fact further The Kids are Alright has earned multiple Oscar nominations. Rightfully so, it is a great movie. I say this as an ordained minister at a Christian church which for most readers will more than likely be deemed unusual. This is fine by me. I have a soft heart for the homosexual community and believe that they should be treated as equals by the church in general.

It hasn't been an easy road confronting theology and ideology to come to a better understanding of a homosexual world I couldn't possibly understand as a straight man. Movies have been as essential platform in challenging my thoughts and beliefs on the subject. I first began by watching Brokeback Mountain. It took me several weeks to finish as it is strange for a heterosexual male to witness two men passionately loving one another. I must say that the movie was spectacular and even made me cry. I also have to say that the movie Milk was amazing and was deserving of all the attention that it attracted. In conclusion, I have continued my journey as a straight man attempting to confront his ideology on homosexuality by viewingThe Kids are Alright.

The movie is about Nic (Annette Benning) and Jules (Juliann Moore) who are a married lesbian couple. Nic is a physician and Jules has had and up and down working career. Jules has spent most of their long-term relationship in the professional shadow of Nic and has had a short list of failed upstart businesses. In the film, she is working on a landscaping business. Their children are Joni (Mia Wasikowska), an eighteen year old about to begin college, and Laser (Josh Hutcherson), a typical 15 year-old boy. As a family they have typical problems. Josh's best friend is of questionable character and Joni is a blossoming women that has appropriate conflict with her parents, mainly with Nic, who as a physician has some problems with control. Jules, as alluded to above, has issues with inadequacy.

As the plot emerges, it is discovered that Laser wants to know who his and Joni's father donor was. Since Joni is 18 and the only one who would be interested in knowing and considering Nic has made it a family rule for them not to know, Laser convinces her to find out the answer. Soon enough they find out that their donor fathers name is Paul (Mark Ruffalo) and they set-up a meeting with him to learn more of who he is. Jules somewhat approves of the children's desire and Nic of course adamantly disagrees. Shenanigans ensue!

Strengths: The acting in the film is exemplary. The pacing keeps you interested. The plot is candid and is revealing as far as the dynamics of homosexual families are concerned. Annette Benning and Mark Ruffalo both earned Oscar nominations for their performances and are justly rewarded; however, I felt that Juliann Moore deserved a nomination more so than Benning.

Weaknesses: The only weakness I can find is sensitive subject matter, which really isn't a weakness. It is really knowing that some folks won't want to see a movie about a lesbian couple and their family.

Recommendation: This film is not for everyone. It is definitely a rated R movie. It's not really appropriate for anyone under 16 years of age. The language is bad at times. Their is male and female nudity, plus several scenes of extreme sexual nature. The subject matter won't be for everyone. If you have a problem with homosexuality then this film is not for you. Don't even bother. It should go without saying that if you are homosexual then by all means watch this movie, especially if your interested in having a family of your own someday. This movie would also be good for someone like myself who is interested in challenging their own thought and ideas about sexuality and families. I know I can't be the only "hetero" who is. Overall its a great film worth viewing, even though I think other films of the same material are better.

Tron: Legacy (2010)

In 1982 Disney released the film Tron, a movie about a man abducted into a computer world where he is forced to compete in death games in order to save his life. The movie was one of the first in the history of film to almost exclusively use computer graphics to create an alternative world. Tron captivated movie goers and generated enough attention to garner a cult following. Almost thirty years later, we finally have a sequel and it is a sight to behold!

This is easily one of my favorites of the 2010 campaign. It will be nominated for several Oscar's, namely in the special effects and perhaps sound categories. While it won't win anything for writing, direction, or acting, it will bring the legacy of Tron past cult status and into the mainstream. The French electronic music duo Daft Punk contributes a stellar soundtrack to compliment the dazzling computer generated world referred to as "the grid".

The story brings viewers into present time and into the life of Kevin Flynn's (Jeff Bridges) son Sam (Garrett Hedlund). He is living in the wake of his father's technological empire and is the reluctant heir apparent of his missing father. Sam goes to great lengths to thumb his nose at the board of directors of his inherited fortune as he struggles with the mystery of his father's disappearance. When Sam least expects it his dad's former business partner Alan Bradley, played by Bruce Boxleitner who played Tron in the first film, delivers him a message that he received a page from the old number at the arcade his dad had an office in. Curiosity takes Sam to the arcade to investigate. There he finds his fathers secret office below the arcade and the equipment that brought him to the grid. After accessing the software on the computer Sam inadvertently activates the transport device that brought his father into the grid. As the saying goes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as Sam finds himself in the situation same as his father was, confused and fighting for his life. Shenanigan's ensue.

Tron: Legacy has already grossed well over $300 million dollars and if you haven't made your contribution, you should. It is a visually stunning movie that boasts Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges not only in the flesh as Kevin Flynn, but also a CGI character as C.L.U. the movies villain which happens to be a much younger version of Bridges. The CGI character was so convincing to me that it made me wonder when we would see Hollywood greats like John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn on screen again. Let me tell you people IT will happen someday.

Some of the weaknesses of the movie are script, character development, and length. If you know nothing of the previous movie it is a little bit difficult to get a proper feel for the events that are happening. The movie doesn't have clever or witty dialogue and it doesn't really challenge you mentally. And at slightly over two hours long, the plot gets worn thin.

Recommendation: Go see this movie in theaters while there is still a chance! It will be quite the experience and a movie for all ages. There isn't much bad language and the violence is non-visceral in nature. Thanks Disney for finally doing this and would you please get the original film out on Blu-Ray? I mean it is on sale on Amazon.com brand new on DVD for...$80!! Yea that's right folks, $80! Please expedite that request Disney because Walt's turning over in his grave!

The King's Speech (2010)

I keep hearing all this buzz about Colin Firth's performance in The King's Speech and how brilliant he is as King George VI. Frankly, I didn't want to see this movie because it looked very boring and I wasn't entirely sure I knew when George VI was even king of England. Indeed, a movie about a king who can't talk right doesn't even sound appealing. In fact the only thing that can save a film with boring material on the surface level is great acting and clever dialogue. And after winning the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Leading Role during a stellar year of acting, my wife and I decided to go see it. We were surprised to say the least.

The film is engaging, witty, and clever. The plot is simple enough to keep up with. Albert (Firth), Duke of York, is the son of King George V (Michael Gambon) and the younger brother of David, Duke of Windsor (Guy Pearce). Obviously he is royalty and required to be a public figure which requires speaking in that particular realm. The only problem is that the Duke has a speech impediment. Public speeches are painful for him and for anyone who has to listen. Albert's wife, Princess Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), and himself seek out speech experts across London in hopes of a cure. After exhausting efforts across the city Elizabeth finds Lionel Louge (Geoffrey Rush), an Australian speech expert who uses unorthodox methods of curing his patients. Shenanigan's ensue.

Overall, this movie is capable of winning multiple Academy Awards. It is worthy of Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and will most definitely be Colin Firth's first "golden statue". It is a little slow and at times boring, but a strong script and extraordinary acting keep the ball rolling. This film is also funny. The relational dynamics between Louge and Albert are interesting as the personalities of a commoner and member of royalty collide to provide some genuine laughs.

Recommendation: Once again this movie is a must see. I recommend it to anyone who knows anything about world history and who are age appropriate. There is no nudity, violence, adult situations, and with the exception of some language in a few scenes in the movie it might even be considered a family film. Although it is not quite as such, so no small children parents.

Extra: This is a short history lesson for anyone looking for further perspective on the movie. The relationship between King George VI and Lional Louge began in the mid 1920's. After Albert's stammering exhibition at Wembley Stadium in 1925, he was mortified and resolved to find a cure. He meets Louge in the year following the Wembley debacle and by 1927 Albert is delivering speeches without stuttering. In 1936 King George V dies and Albert's brother David becomes King Edward VIII. Less then a year later, King Edward abdicates the throne to marry his twice divorced, commoner mistress, Wallis Simpson. King George VI (Albert) was his successor. King George VI was the king of England during World War II. He did not give the declaration of war speech that was portrayed in the movie. In reality it was Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain.

The Social Network (2010)

OK, alright! I finally watched this movie. I will not hesitate to say that the guy who invented Facebook doesn't really interest me much. His story really isn't that compelling and it seems like he used a lot of people to become a billionaire. Welcome to America! Free enterprise anyone?

Seriously though, the Social Network has garnered an endless amount of attention and praise. I must admit it is for good reason. The acting is comparable to the top movies of 2010. The director is David Fincher of Seven and Fight Club fame. The soundtrack is masterfully done by the likes of Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) and Atticus Ross. And no matter how truly disinterested I am with the life of Mark Zuckerberg the people behind the movie held my attention the entire two hours.

Quickly summarized, The Social Network is about Zuckerberg, a computer programming genius and Harvard student (Jesse Eisenberg), and how he basically had an idea, stole a few more, and screwed various people on his way to creating the multi-billion dollar global phenomena called Facebook. I would say more, but in my opinion that really is the extent of the plot line. Other major characters are Zuckerbergs best friend, Eduardo Saverin (James Garfield), the Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer), and Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake) of Napster infamy. All of these characters are either suing Zuckerberg or riding his coattails to riches. Shenanigans ensue.

I know what your are thinking, B-O-R-I-N-G! The truth, it is anything but boring and is deserving of any movie goers attention. The critics aren't always right about the films they tout as the real deal. With the The Social Network they are. However, I don't believe this is the best movie of the year. It will earn the most Oscar nominations, including Best Actor, Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Original Score, and Best Supporting Actor. And Probably win most of the them.

Recommendation: This film is a must see. It isn't as lame as it looks on a trailer. It's not as boring as the real story more than likely is, or true for that matter. The acting and directing are stellar. The soundtrack is one of the years best. The rating is PG-13 and appropriately labeled. Its nice and safe for teenagers. The language isn't bad, although there are a few "F-Bombs". There isn't much sexuality going on and there is some drug use. I reccomend this movie to anyone over the age of 12.