Step Brothers (2008)

KOL Rating:

SYNOPSIS
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, who last teamed in the box-office smash Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, now star in Step Brothers, directed by Adam McKay (Talladega Nights). In Step Brothers, Ferrell plays Brennan Huff, a sporadically employed thrity-nine-year-old who live with his mother, Nancy (Mary Steenburgen). Reilly plays Dale Doback, a terminally unemployed forty-year-old who lives with his father, Robert (Richard Jenkins). When Robert and Nancy marry and move in together, Brennan and Dale are forced to live with each other as step brothers. As their narcissism and downright aggressive laziness threaten to tear the family apart, these two middle-aged, immature, overgrown boys will orchestrate an insane, elaborate plan to bring their parents back together. To pull it off, they must form an unlikely bond that maybe, just maybe, will finally get them out of the house. The screenplay is by Will Ferrell & Adam McKay from a story by Will Ferrell & Adam McKay & John C. Reilly. Jimmy Miller and Judd Apatow produce.

REVIEW
Until that unlikely bond is made the movie was just plain stupid, unable to elicit a laugh out loud, much less a smirk from me. After the unlikely bond is made tears were flowing and everything suddenly became extremely funny. That is the main reason for a two star rating on an otherwise one star movie.

Ferrell and Reilly are good in their roles and after a while they started to look related. The other brother, Derek ( Adam Scott) had hottie potential, but he looked so frikkin' seventies gay, except for that one scene where he shows his abs! Mmm, mmm, mmm! Even Richard Jenkins was looking good to me.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

KOL Rating:

SYNOPSIS
With a signature blend of action, humor and character-based spectacle, the saga of the world's toughest, kitten-loving hero from Hell continues to unfold in Hellboy II: The Golden Army. Bigger muscle, badder weapons and more ungodly villains arrive in an epic vision of imagination from Oscar-nominated direction Guillermo del Toro ( Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy).

After an ancient truce existing between human kind and the invisible realm of the fantastic is broken, hell on Earth is ready to erupt. A ruthless leader who treads the world above and the one below defies his bloodline and awakens an unstoppable army of creatures. Now, it's up to the planet's toughest, roughest superhero to battle the merciless dictator and his marauders. He may be red. He may be horned. He may be misunderstood. But when you need the job done right, it's time to call in Hellboy (Ron Perlman). Along with his expanding team in the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense-pyrokinetic girlfriend Liz (Selma Blair), aquatic empath Abe (Doug Jones) and protoplasmic mystic Johann-the BPRD will travel between the surface strata and the unseen magical one, where creatures of fantasy become corporeal. And Hellboy, a creature of two worlds who's accepted by neither, must choose between the life he knows and the unknown destiny that beckons him.

REVIEW
Pan's Labyrinth influence was most seen in monster design. Very earthy and creative. My favorite quote in the movie is "I'm not a baby, I'm a tumor." Love the iconic argument put forth by Prince Nuada and the fact that his sister sneaked out with the missing link. In fact, that whole subplot really made the movie for me. Love that body on Prince Nuada ( Luke Goss).

The movie seemed a bit long, but that could be because I had initially started the movie and forgotten about it, so it had been running for an hour before I realized it. Doh! I found this movie entertaining, but not spectacular.

WALL-E (2008)

KOL Rating:

SYNOPSIS
The highly acclaimed director of Finding Nemo and the creative story tellers behind Cars and Ratatouille transport you to a galaxy not so far away for a new cosmic comedy adventure about a dtermined robot named WALL-E.

After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, the curious and lovable WALL-E discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. Join them and a hilarious cast of Characters on a fantastic journey across the universe.

Transport yourself to a fascinating new world with Disney-Pixar's latest adventure. Wall-E is a film your family will want to enjoy over and over again.

REVIEW
Of course when this began advertising I was intrigued by the animation. Knowing nothing about the story increased my interest exponentially. I did not go see this at the movie because I was otherwise engaged in a separate life.

Finally! I am going to watch it.

It's okay, cute, but nothing spectacular and I blame that on the secondary nonspecific social agenda put forth. Deep for me was the realization that the cockroach – projected to survive man – was his friend. I was really liking Wall-E, curious as to where the story would go.

I could even fall for the romantic antics in this movie. Eve's model superiority versus Wall-E's practicality was a hit for me. You know, as I write this, I realize that I can identify even more with the romantic aspect of this movie in the sense the like Wall-E, I just would love someone with whom I can hold hands. Now that's deep!

It's that esoteric back story - a political undertaking gone awry + a lesson in morality versus obesity = convenience, the enemy - that, while all great subplots in and by themselves, become mired in a melange of unattended tangents.

I am surprised that my intuitiveness for this movie has kicked in, butI guess that is my point. Animation does not equal Intellectualism in the Kingdom of Leo. Without the massive subplot, this movie would have been pure delight in it's exploration of the quirks that follow those in love.

Get Smart (2008)

KOL Rating:

SYNOPSIS
In the world of covert intelligence, only one man is Smart ( Steve Carrell [Knightly Delight page pending]). Carrell is in CONTROL as Maxwell Smart, the novice agent often out of his depths, but never out of options in this action comedy pitting him against the nuclear scheme of the evil spy group KAOS. Ever-capable Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) partners with Max. Director Peter Segal (The Longest Yard) guides his stars (including Dwayne Johnson [Knightly Delight page pending] and Alan Arkin) through the dangerous realm of molar radios, multifunction pocketknives, exploding dental floss and more.

REVIEW
I love Steve, but was even more excited to see Dwayne! Fortunately, I did not expect much from a television show movie conversion and was rewarded in kind with absolutely no shirtless scenes of Carell or Johnson! There was only one part that really made me laugh out loud: when Smart is manoeuvering through lasers and a rat crawls up his pant leg. I was pleasantly surprised to see an extensive cast including Anne Hataway, Terry Crews, James Caan, Bill Murray, Patrick Warburton and Masi Oka.

Funny, but definitely a rental.

The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

KOL Rating:

We were going to see Changeling, but it was not showing at Century City, so la Reina de las Abejas chose this movie - no surprise there!

SYNOPSIS
A touching story about the need for love, family and redemption, The Secret Life of Bees explores our undeniable desire for a sense of belonging and the often daunting journeys that we must navigate to achieve it. Set in South Carolina during the turbulent Civil Rights era, the home of the intelligent and independent honey-making Baotwright sisters (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Sophie Okonedo) is suddenly thrust into upheaval with the arrival of fourteen year-old Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) and her caretaker (Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson). Surrounded by the unexpected comforts, grace and deep rooted spirituality Lily encounters in the Boatwright home, she forms a maternal bond with each of these women whose unique and special gifts help reconcile the loss of her mother. Lily ultimately comes to the realization that sometimes you must leave home in order to find it.

Owning and operating a successful bee farm and honey-making business, August Boatwright (Latifah) is the family matriarch running the household with a firm but loving hand with her sisters, the fiercely independent music teacher June (Keys) and the innocent childlike May (Okonedo). The Boatwright sisters' lives are disrupted when fourteen year-old Lily Owens (Fanning) and her caretaker Rosaleen (Hudson) appear on their doorstep seeking refuge. Lily, a lonely teenager haunted by the guilt of her role in the accidental shooting death of ther mother, escapes the peach farm owned by her embittered and widowed fater (Paul Bettany), who shows her neither kindness nor compassion. After fleeting with Rosaleen to Tuburon, South Carolina, a place surrounded by mystery and a strong connection to Lily's mother, they find shelter at the Boatwright household. Lily is immediately taken under thw eing of August Boatwright as her new beekeeping apprentice. There she is given a comfortable place to explore and, for the first time in her life, just be. Lily also discovers joy in the simple pleasures of life through her deepening relationship with the Boatwrights and soon comes into her own, determined to enjoy the sweet nectar of life for the first time. As a budding young woman who has lef the place she once called home, Lily unexpectedly finds her true home and a family she has always yearned for.

PREVIEWS
Australia looks exceptional with Nicole Kidman and a hot Hugh Jackman; Seven Pounds with hunky Will Smith has me very intrigued; Jennifer Aniston looks so different in Marley & Me, which also stars Owen Wilson; The Pink Panther 2, starring Steve Martin; Revolutionary Road, starring Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslet; and MILK, starring Sean Penn.

REVIEW
Omigod! I cried five times. La Reina de las Abejas kept vowing not to cry again and then she would be crying again. I thought this movie was very good, comparing it to The Color Purple.

I mistakenly recognized Paul Bettany as Michael Anthony Hall or that other guy, but it turned out to be Silas from The Da Vinci Code; no wonder my hottie meter was going off. I was so pleased to see Jennifer Hudson, who lent the Color Purple to this movie. Keys, Latifah and Okonedo were well cast. Fanning looks a little like Frankie Muniz in the one scene where she is lying on her back. I also found Neil ( Nate Parker) and Zachary (Tristan Wilds) attractive, surprised that I did not recognize Parker from Pride, where I first viewed his hotness.

Max Payne (2008)

KOL Rating:

What the heck! Now that Justin got me all hot, I had to pick up a movie with Matthew.

SYNOPSIS
Based on the legendary, hard-hitting interactive video game, Max Payne ( Mark Wahlberg) tells the story of a maverick cop determined to track down those responsible for the brutal murder of his family and partner. Hell-bent on revenge, his obsessive investigation takes him on a nightmare journey into a dark underworld. As the mystery deepens, Max is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world and face an unthinkable betrayal.

PREVIEWS
The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons, starring Brad Pitt; Watchmen, another graphic novel presentation; Quantum of Solace, more Bond, no skin in the trailer; Taken, strong-arm revenge drama; Pink Panther II, more of Steve Martin doing more of the same comedy from the Pink Panther I; and Role Models, a Sean William Scott comedy.

REVIEW
Even Marky and a plot that involved revenge could not evoke a second star from me when it comes to rating this movie. I found the buildup to the turning point laborious and slow.

I loved the filming style and thought it was wasted on a low quality screen writing. My major sticking point with this movie was the plot, which just did not hold water for me. Apparently, there was a a drug that either drove you crazy or made you superhuman. I just did not appreciate the visual presentation/justification used in conjunction with the drug. Specifically, why would the devil kill his developing army?

The wierd thing is that Swiper had me search the soundtrack theme about two weeks ago. We found it when I researched the album information discovered it had not even been released yet. Today while viewing the movie neither of us noticed the song was played at all.

Marky was fine as usual and I discovered hot Ludacris! I thought Mila Kunis was good in her role, as well as Beau Bridges.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

KOL Rating:

SYNOPSIS
Academy Award^® nominee Edward Norton stars as scientist Bruce Banner, a man who has been living in shadows, scouring the planet for an antidote to the unbridled force of rage within him: the Hulk. But when the military masterminds who dream of exploiting his powers force him back to civilization, he finds himself coming face to face with his most formidable foe: the Abomination - a nightmarish beast of pure aggression whose powers match the Hulk's own!

Also starring Liv Tyler, Oscar^® nominee Tim Roth, and Oscar^® winner William Hurt, The Incredible Hulk is "steeped in action and spectacular special effects" (Claudia Puig, USA TODAY) and delivers a mind-blowing final showdown that can only be summed up with on word...INCREDIBLE!

REVIEW
Another movie with another hottie, Edward Norton. Wow! This movie was way better than I expected it to be and I attribute this to the fast forward of the story foundation during the opening titles. I could not help but perceive a "green" message from the beginning of the movie. I can't remember exactly what made me think that, but my reference is to ecology, not the Hulk.

And then Liv Tyler appeared; I actually like her; and William Hurt. Based on my theory of provocative performances, I would have to concede that Tim Roth turned in a notable performance as well. I also appreciated the chuckle elicited by the performance of Lou Ferrigno.

My dad had watched this movie first and commented on the length; I would have to concur, though my concurrence is minimal at best for all the action in the movie. Though, I must admit that despite all the action, I was relieved when the story was winding up. Swiper found the introduction of Stark Industries stupid, but I found it funny and apropos.

Another great family action-packed summer blockbuster.

Journey To The Center Of The Earth (2008)

KOL Rating:

SYNOPSIS
Brendan Fraser stars in this action-packed adventure based on the Jules Vern Classic that is sure to deliver fun for the whole family! On a hunch to find the center of the earth, Trevor Anderson (Fraser), his nephew (Josh Hutcherson) and their tour guide (Anita Briem) make a breakthrough discover that launches them on a thrilling journey into th eunknown. On a scramble to find their way back, the group travels through a never-before-seen world encountering creatures and objects they never imagined.

REVIEW
First of all, I love Brendan. Mmm, mmm, mmm! He is always so good in this type of movie: adventure, action-packed, fantastic.

Despite viewing the movie in non-3D mode, I was so into the movie that I could actually sensed all the thrills and suspense. I was very impressed by the editing of the story, which made sense and was fantastic enough to encourage imagination. Great family entertainment.

Inherit The Wind (1960)

KOL Rating:

SYNOPSIS
Two-time Best Actor Oscar^® winners Spencer Tracy and Fredric March go toe-to-toe in this thrilling recreation of the most titatnic courtoom battle of the century. Garnering four Academy Award^® nominations including Best Actor (Tracy), and featuring Gene Kelly in a rare, critcally acclaimed dramatic role, Inherit The Wind is powerful, provacative cinema and "a heaping measure of entertainment (Entertainment Weekly)!"

The controversial subject of evolution versus creation causes two polar opposites to engage in one explosive battle of beliefs. Attorney Clarence Darrow (Tracy) faces off against fundamentalist leader William Jennings Bryan (March) in a small Tennessee Town where a teacher (Dick York) has been brought to trial for teaching Darwinism. Let the trial begin...and watch the sparks fly!

REVIEW
I was very surprised to see York ( Bewitched) and Harry Morgan ( M*A*S*H) in this movie, and just as surprised to see Kelly in such a different role. I recognized Tracy right away and appreciated his performance in this movie. While researching this movie, I discovered that Mr. Roper (Norman Fell) was also in this movie. I remember the character, but did not recognize him.

The first thing I noticed was the irony in persecution of something different by people whose saviour was persecuted for preaching something different. That just burns me up because even today "those people" still repeat the same behaviour. Here are some great quotes from the movie:

Mr. Brady, it's the duty of a newspaper to comfort the affleicted and afflict the comfortable.

Are you looking for a nice, clean place to stay?
I had a nice, clean place to stay and I left it to come here.

He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind...

That last quote is from the Bible, Proverbs 11:29 and ends like this:

: and the fool shall be servant to the wise in heart.

I also questioned his girlfriend's devotion. Maybe it was a sign of the times, Faith over Love. I just didn't buy it. In my movie-going/life experience, the partner always stays with the mate out of love despite bad decisions and tragic consequences.

This was a very good movie with an interesting ending, certainly not what I expected. Check it out for classic movie drama.

Quarantine (2008)

KOL Rating:

SYNOPSIS
Television reporter Angela Vidal (Jennifer Carpenter) and her cameraman (Steve Harris) are assigned to spend the night shift with a Los Angeles Fire Station. After a routine 911 call takes them to a small apartment building, they find police officers already on the scene in response to blood curdling screams coming from one of the apartment unites. They soon learn that a woman living in the building has been infected by something unknown. After a few of the residents are viciously attacked, they try to escape with the news crew in tow, only to find that the CDC has quarantined the building. Phones, internet, televisions and cell phone access have been cut-off, and officials are not relaying information to those locked inside. When the quarantine is finally lifted, the only evidence of what took place is the news crews videotape.

PREVIEWS
Including a promising thriller, The Uninvited; The International, a political thriller starring hunky Clive Owen; Quantum of Solace, starring hunky Daniel Craig, despite no Speedo scene in the trailer; The Unborn, which is from the same company that made The Strangers; and Notorious, documenting the life of Notorious B.I.G., which actually looked interesting to me.

REVIEW
Swiper and I were joined by La Reina de las Abejas. When I first heard of this movie I was intrigued by the fear factor to see it, so I called La Reina immediately and suggested we go see it together because I was a-scared! Even as I was typing the movie synopsis I was getting the chills.

So why wasn't I more scared by the movie? It was okay as far a being scarey and the story was interesting, neatly sewed up with no loose ends as far as I could detect. The film technique was very Cloverfield a la Blair Witch, of which I think I am becoming a fan.

I thought Jennifer turned in a worthy performance. I was surprised to learn that Harris was her cameraman; I used to watch him on The Practice, because I liked Dylan McDermott so much. There were two hotties in this movie, both fireman, which makes it hard to decide which I liked more, Johnathon Schaech and Jay Hernandez. Researching the movie, I discovered that Jermaine Jackson was also in this movie?!

Both Swiper and La Reina de las Abejas thought it was scary, but I didn't see them jump much. Perhaps I came to expect too much.

Ghost Town (2008)

KOL Rating:

SYNOPSIS
In the comedy Ghost Town, Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais) is a man whose people skills leave much to be desired. When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts. Even worse, they all want something from him, particularly Frank Hirlihy (Greg Kinnear), who pesters him into breaking up the impending marriage of his widow Gwen (Téa Leoni).

PREVIEWS
I am becoming more intrigued by Changeling, Revolutionary Road does not look promising despite a very hunky Leonardo di Caprio; Australia looks very interesting and has peaked my interest in Baz Luhrman; and I finally got through a preview of The Soloist with dry eyes.

REVIEW
Mikey and I had originally planned to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua, but the AM show was canceled, so we decided to see Ghost Town.

This was a very funny movie for me. I could not help but identify with Dr. Pincus and his loathing of people. There were many scenes that just made me laugh out loud, especially the ones with the stilted speech interruptions. On a spiritual level, I found this movie very interesting as well. There was one quote that I found very appropriate and true, but for the life of me I can't remember it at this time. Gervais, Kinnear and Leoni were excellently cast and turned in excellent performances.

As for hotties, I would have to go outside the movie to the Clark Kent-looking hunk I met at Breadbar; a close second was the thug-looking specimen I saw walking the train tracks upon my return to the city limits of Culver City; with honorable mention going to Greg Kinnear.

88 Minutes (2007)

KOL Rating:

SYNOPSIS
Al Pacino stars in this riveting thriller about a forensic psychologist who receives a phone call threatening that he has only 88 minutes to life. As the clock ticks away, tension mounts, suspicions rise and blood flows. With a serial killer he helped convict awaiting execution and a copy cat killer on the loose, Jack Gramm has 88 minutes to solve the biggest murder of his career.

REVIEW
It turns out this is not the movie I thought I was renting, which I thought was This was a very average revenge-seeking serial killer with a devious little twist. However, the twist don't make it a pretzel, nor a clever thriller.

First of all, I could not keep in mind that Dr. Gramm (Pacino) was an FBI agent, which kept me questioning his need for staff. And if he is law enforcement personnel, why doesn't he share the first phone call? I attribute that decision to the machismo that comes with being employed in that industry. I wish they had been more in-depth, establishing more evidence to show John Forster's (Neal McDonough) vengeful obsession. Memorable performances include Leelee Sobieski and Amy Brenneman.

A good rental.