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.

The Fighter (2010)

Obviously, my first movie reviews and recommendations have been covering the best of 2010. True Grit and Black Swan respectively. I will continue that trend with reviewing The Fighter, my personal favorite of the year and pick to win the top honor at the Oscar's for Best Picture.

Christian Bale is one of my favorite actors. I love watching his movies. From ambitious beginnings with "Empire of the Sun" to heroic performances as the Dark Knight, Bale continuously blows me away with his acting. I hear the guy is a "douche" in real life and perhaps that is true. I simply could care less. He is the one of the most underrated actors in the world today. That, however; is about to change with his portrayal of Dickie Eklund, a crack addicted, ex-professional boxer, who is the brother of "Irish" Mickey Ward, a boxing legend. Bale won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and the news on the wire has him as a lock for an Oscar nomination in the same category. With that said, I would be surprised if he didn't win the Oscar as well.

The movie itself is a gem and after completely kissing Bale's "can" in the previous paragraph, I must add that he wasn't alone in acting superiority. Mark Whalberg's played Irish Mickey perfectly and Amy Adams followed suit with an Oscar worthy performance as Mickey's girlfriend, Charlene. And it would be a crime to fail mention Melissa Leo playing Alice Ward, Mickey's mother. Leo also won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.

The story itself is a riot. Mickey being next in line to bring boxing glory to the family and Dickie being the brother who first brought them notoriety by fighting in the ring and supposedly knocking down Sugar Ray Leonard. Mickey as the next in line is some how caught up in the shadow of his older half brother who is also his trainer. His mother Alice is his manager. The combination of brother and mother in his corner bring Mickey nothing short of getting his "can" kicked continually. To say the family holistically is enmeshed is the understatement of the year.

With all of the family "drama" aside, Mickey is actually a gifted fighter know for his patience, body shot power, and heart in the ring. With the help of Charlene, his father, and other people in his corner, Mickey is able to make a unprecedented climb through the welter-weight ranks and become a champion despite his families glaring dysfunctions.

Look people! This movie, in my opinion, is easily the best of the year. The Fighter is my choice for Best Picture at any award ceremony. The acting is far better than any movie I have seen this year. The story has heart and it may give the dying sport of boxing a boost for the year to come. My forecast predicts at least three Academy Awards. Best Film and Best Supporting Actor among the three.

Recommendations: This movie is a must see for any adult. It is also a must see for any fan of fighting, boxing/MMA in particular, whatever your preference! Don't take your kids to this movie. You are stupid if you do. They couldn't possibly appreciate this movie, nor understand its premise. It is the best movie of the year hands down so enjoy!

Black Swan (2010)

Darren Aronofsky is a visual poet and well on his way to becoming one of films greatest helmsmen. I even consider him to be the Stanely Kubrick of the current generation. He haunted us with the dramatics of Requiem for a Dream, dazzled us visually with The Fountain, and surprised us with The Wrestler. Black Swan is no different and could be considered Aronofsky's best work to date. It certainly is a film that is attracting much award buzz and it is that time of year. And we are most certainly interested to see what Aronofsky will do with his next project the X-Men inspired Wolverine.

Black Swan is a story about a dancer, Nina (Portman), who wins the coveted lead role in her company's production of "Swan Lake", replacing the former lead (Winona Ryder) who is being forced to relinquish her star power. Nina performs the role of the white swan to perfection. The problem is that St. Nina cannot capture the lustful essence of the white swans twin the black swan. What ensues can only be described as a psychological whirlwind that plots Nina against her rival (Mila Kunis) and against herself to learn how to play the black swan before its to late.

In a word, masterpiece. That is how I surmise the movie. It is elegant, yet creepy. It is beautiful and astoundingly disturbing. The acting and cast is flawless. If we had any doubts about the talents of Natlie Portman, there are none no longer. She has come a long way since The Professional. Mila Kunis has also traveled a long way as well. Who would have thought that Jackie from That 70's Show would be in an obvious Oscar caliber film? And there is no doubt, this movie will win an Oscar. More than likely Portman will win her first Oscar for her outstanding performance and maybe even Aronofsky for his masterful direction.

Recommendation: This movie ain't for everyone. There are several very sexually awkward scenes that would embarrass most "baby boomers". This includes some girl on girl action that somehow manages not to show any nudity (sorry to burst your bubbles men). Obviously it is not a movie for kids or even teenagers in my opinion. Its not a movie for your parents, especially mine! My mother told told me the other day that her and a friend were going to see a movie and were thinking about going to see Black Swan. I said, uh, pick another movie, please ma! I wouldn't even consider this a date movie for guys looking to impress his new girl by taking her to a "girly" movie. This ain't the one buddy, no matter how much she thinks it might be. This movie is for people who love film as an art and can appreciate it for the masterpiece that it is. Otherwise, stay away.

True Grit (2010)

I grew up watching John Wayne movies. The man is movie icon. His body of work is legendary. Since Hollywood is seriously lacking in creativity these days it came as no surprise to finally see a remake of one of "The Duke's" films. I must admit that when I first heard that someone was remaking True Grit, I was appalled! And his only Oscar winnings performance to boot!? Blasphemy! Those arrogant Cohen Brothers! Who do they think they are? During the next few months the idea really started to sink in. I began to really consider the audacity of the dynamic brotherly directing duo and I became a believer. I considered the Brothers own legendary body of work. Eight Academy Awards between them, including two for Best Picture (Fargo, No Country For Old Men) and various other accolades. They even inspired me to read the book! After a bloody inner battle I realized that if anyone could pull this adaption of the Charles Portis classic and meet the Duke standard, they could.

Now for the actual review.....

True Grit is a story about a young girl named Maddie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) whose father is unjustly murdered by one of his employees, a simple minded criminal by the name of Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Maddie sets out to the town her father was killed to settle his business affairs, to send his body home for funeral, and to see that Chaney is brought to justice. After discovering that justice will not be sift as she sees fit, Maddie hires U.S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to hunt Chaney down. As they prepare for the hunt, they encounter an arrogant Texas Ranger by name of Lebeouf (Matt Damon) who is also on the scout for Chaney under a different name for the murder of a Texas senator. Together the three go after Chaney, who is now banded with Lucky Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper) and his gang of miscreants.

First and foremost the casting was brilliant. I am convinced that no one can play Rooster Cogburn like the Duke did, not even Jeff Bridges. However, this isn't the Rooster Cogburn of John Wayne lore. This Rooster is a much dirtier and dingier portrayal. There is no doubt about the man's courage and toughness, but there is some question about his character. Is he a good man? Or is he bad? By the end of the movie, Bridges has played the character so well that there will no be doubts to what the answer is. Matt Damon as LeBoeuf is monumentally better than Glen "The Rhinestone Cowboy" Campbell. He captured the arrogance and later the humility of LeBeouf very well. And newcomer Hailee Steinfeld is the most impressive by nailing the sassy and confrontational Maddie Ross. Made even more impressive by the fact that she has very little acting experience and easily garners the most screen time. Finally, the Cohen Brothers are masters at both writing original screen plays and adapted screen plays. While True Grit won't win an Oscar for Best Movie, it is deserving of multiple nominations and will more than likely be treated duly, although the Golden Globes managed to thumb its nose at the movie in most categories.

Recommendation: It is a family friendly movie with little or no coarse language. There is some violence. Some of it bloody, yet not excessively. True Grit is one of the rare Oscar caliber movies that is OK for almost everyone to see. Don't wait for this one on Blu-Ray or DVD!

I Love Movies

I love movies. So much in fact, my wife and best friend suggested that I start a blog of reviews and recommendations. I have literally viewed thousands of films over the course of my hefty thirty year life span, so naturally I consider myself to be an expert without the benefit of being a Holywood 'big- wig' . Perhaps you will agree with my claim to expertise and perhaps not. I have no rating system and no certifications. I am merely armed with a myriad of big stinking opinions. So welcome to iL Fimati and feel free to add your own opinions, raves, rants, accolades, or complaints.