Bolt

An animation film thats not Pixar? Can't be good. Miley Cyrus? Has to be aweful. Alas, as little hope as I had for this fim, its a suprisingly good Disney film. The story is that of a dog who follows his person to the end of the earth, but ends up getting lost after a secret about his life gets out. "Bolt" is heartwarming, funny, and provides a good childrens story that adults can enjoy.
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SCORE: 7.3/10

Star Wars

The end of the year is coming upon me quickly so its time to start doing wholesale reviews. A few weeks back, I watched all six Star Wars movies from start to end. And while it took me over 13 or 14 hours, it was a great time cause Star Wars is by far the best movie series ever made and "Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope" is one of the greatest films ever created as well. So, from Episode I all the way through Episode VI, I give you the Star Wars films:

Episode I: The Phantom Menace

SCORE: 7.1/10

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Episode II: Attack of the Clones

SCORE: 6.4/10

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Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

SCORE: 8.6/10

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Episode IV: A New Hope

SCORE: 9.5/10

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Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

SCORE: 8.5/10

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Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

SCORE: 9.0/10

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Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels

See Jason Statham. You can make good movies. "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels" is a great britsh film about how taking a loan from a porn king can go horribly wrong. Entertaining all the way to the end, "Lock..." has two many twist to even try to summarize. I personally like "Snatch" better because the plot is tighter, unlike "Lock..." that has a few stretches. Yet despite this, if you're in the mood for a twisted movie with british accents, give "Lock..." a try.

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SCORE: 8.1/10

The Big Lebowski

The Cohen Brothers are, undoubtedly, two of the most creative and entertaining movie creators currently in the world. They don't miss the mark with the classic "The Big Lebowski." Jeff Bridges plays the dude, a loser in LA who has no job and has found himself in world of drugs, kidnapping, Nazi's, and bowling. Teamed with John Goodman, Bridges is hilarious as "The Dude" and man, he just wanted a rug. This film is both entertaining and thought provoking and while its not my favorite Cohen Bros. movie, it sure is a good one.

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SCORE: 7.8/10

Crank: High Voltage

I like Jason Statham. I really do. "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels." "Snatch." And Amy Smart is funny and a very attractive person. But "Crank: High Voltage" is aweful. The orginal "Crank" was a moderately enjoyable man-flick that could be watched with a good beer and a grilled piece of red meat. But "Crank: High Voltage" is just bad. Nothing else to say other than it was trying really hard to make my bottom 5 all time least favorite movies. Thank godness for Netflix free trials so I can watch terrible movies like this one without feeling financially ripped off. If only I could get the 90 minutes I wasted back...

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SCORE: 1.2/10

Zombieland

"Zombieland" was a bro-date for my friend Jesse and I and all I can say is that this movie rocks. A bit short length-wise (only 80+ minutes) but not short on pure fun and laughs. While the film is gruesome and frightening in some parts, it does a great job in building depth to its characters from Woody Harrelson's twinkie loving, zombie hating southerner to Wichita, played by Emma Stone, a badass chick who knows how to weild a shot gun (and is smoking hot). Not as good as my favorite Zombie flick "Shaun of the Dead" but a absolutely amazing cameo in the middle makes this one of the best movies I've seen this year.

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SCORE: 9.0/10

Inglourious Basterds

This was my first Quentin Taratino movie I've ever seen and I'm pretty sure it won't be my last. While uberviolent, "Inglorious Basterds" was a thrilling peice of, well, pulp ficiton, with a cast a great characters. The film has several story lines that all cross at seperate times, leading up to a grand ending to a grand film. Brad Pitt does a great job as a Nazi hating American soldier and has some of the funnier parts/lines in the movie. But the true star of this film is Austrian actor, Christoph Waltz. As the Colonel Hans Landa, "The Jew Hunter," his performance is just creepy and perfect, and it would come as no suprise if he was nominated for an Oscar.

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SCORE: 9.3/10

Hancock

"Hancock" falls into the category of "Decent movie but would expect more for a great actor." This is the case with Will Smith, who I think highly of and was fairly disappointed with in this film. "Hancock" is the story of a man with superhero powers but little people skills and while its a good summer superhero flic, its not great. Too many plot holes and one or two really awkward scenes. I'm still waiting for Will Smith to fight aliens again or move back to Bel-Air. Until then, I will only expect mediocre films from Big Willie.

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SCORE: 3.8/10

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

This is the second movie that has been seen and reviewed by both blog writers here on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. And while I'd like to completely disagree with the other entry, I can't because "The Assassination..." is just like its name: too long for its own good. Casey Affleck is amazingly creepy in his portrayal of Robert Ford and it's not surprising that he was nominated for an Academy Award. Brad Pitt is spot on too as the heartless bank robber/murderer. However, this film drags on and on and while the history side of "The Assassination..." is really fascinating, the nearly three hour run time and the, at times, hard to understand accented dialogue loses viewers.

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SCORE: 4.6/10

Eight Men Out

Kickin' it old school late last night, I popped in "Eight Men Out." A film from 1988, it depicts the true story of the betting scandal that rocked the 1919 World Series. The Chicago Black Sox are followed from winning the National Championship to the trial deciding whether to convict them of intentionally losing the World Series. For baseball fans, "Eight Men Out" is a great movie that shows the undoing of one of the most dominant teams in history and one of the best players of all time, Shoeless Joe Jackson. Charlie Sheen and John Cusack are a few B-list sized names that show up in the cast through out the movie. As a baseball nut, I really enjoy watching this film. As a movie fan, I'm not so sure. I'd have to score it 7/10 based on the fact that I really like it but I think I might be carrying some bias.

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SCORE:7.0/10

Fracture

Continuing my Ryan Gosling binge, I decided to watch "Fracture" a movie that I've own for a while now just had never actually watched. Gosling, an up-and-coming lawyer who has been hired away from Los Angeles' Distract Attorney's office comes across a man who is accused of killing his wife (Anthony Hopkins). The film shows his struggle to put away a killer with zero evidence and maintain his sanity and new job. While Gosling and Hopkins turn in great performances (especially with Hopkins channeling his inner Hannibal Lecter), the plot is fairly predictable as is the dialogue. Gosling has very few movies out there to watch so "Fracture" is a must for his fans. Otherwise, just watch "Silence of the Lambs" again for similar creepiness from Hopkins and a better story.

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SCORE: 5.4/10

Lars and The Real Girl

A weird and random movie, "Lars and The Real Girl" is a tale about a lonely man who orders a RealDoll online and treats her as his real life, living breathing girlfriend. The premise of the story sounds a bit out there but at the core, this is a very touching film. Ryan Gosling turns in another great acting performance as the shy single loner living in his older brother's garage. Its not as much of a comedy as the film's marketing tries to lead on, more of a love story. "Lars" is truely a very odd tale but in the end it is really one of the better indie movies I've seen in a while.
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SCORE: 8.2/10

Taken

Liam Neeson. Epic. Bad-ass. Awesomeness. That is the only way I can describe Neeson in "Taken", a movie about a retired CIA agent trying to get his kidnapped daughter back from the sex ring that she is being sold into. While the movie is somewhat long and lacks an amazing plot, I pose this question: who needs great dialogue and plot when you've got Liam Neeson taking no prisoners and kicking the crap out of everyone in his way. A thriller full of fights, manliness, and more fights.
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SCORE: 6.6/10

3:10 to Yuma

Admittedly, I'm no Russell Crowe fan. He peaked with "Gladiator" and has been riding that success ever since. I am however a Christian Bale fan. So what happens when you combine one good actor with one overrated one? A movie that is neither bad nor good. "3:10 to Yuma" is about a farmer (Bale) who, in order to prove himself to his son, is trying to get a mass murderer and bandit (Crowe) to the 3:10 train to the Yuma prison. Drama ensues and you learn about what drives both characters. So in regards to plot and development, its not a bad movie. There is also a Luke Wilson sighting which is always enjoyable. However, while the film is enjoyable for the first three-fourths, the ending is not the best and left me going, "huh?" Crowe is actually decent but nothing spectacular. A good film if the viewer is really into Westerns. Otherwise, not so much.

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SCORE: 5.4/10

Hitch

"Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it's the moments that take your breath away..." Yeah, okay Will Smith. So over the top its imbarrassing at times, "Hitch" is the story the 'Date Doctor' by the same name played by Will Smith. He teaches men how to meet and impress the women of his dreams. Little does he know, he has trouble following his own rules. "Hitch" is a good film at its core and made me fell good and warm and conflicted and all the other feelings that you would want from a comedy-romantic movie (not romantic-comedy... that would be a chick flick and this was no chick flick). The script writers have trouble avoiding obsurdly pathetic lines that make parts of this movie way too cheesy, but in all I thought Will Smith was enjoyable and would recommend seeing this movie.

SCORE: 6.8/10

Be Kind Rewind

This little know movie came out in limited release in smaller theaters but because of my love for Jack Black and the thirst to watch everything he is in (yes, even "The Jackal"), I had to check out "Be Kind Rewind". Surprisingly, it is heartwarming and, while at times slightly bland, a rather good film. Mos Def plays the overwhelmed movie store clerk perfectly and Black, like always, offers completely over the top ridiculousness throughout the film. I really enjoyed the remade versions of films that Black and Def managed to put together. Inspiring for any young film maker. Stylized in the same manner as "The Science of Sleep" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", "Be Kind Rewind" offers decent laughs, good feelings, and a message in the importance of community. And Jack Black.

SCORE: 7.1/10

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

As strange as this sounds, I enjoyed "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story" because of its music and random cameos. John C. Reilly does a good job stepping away from his typical Will Ferrell sidekick role, playing the title character who is basically a combination of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. At times it has decent laughs, especially with the appearance of The Beatles, but ultimately it is just a typically dumb parody movie. The music is actually rather good, with a few of the songs sounding like they could be legitimate, real life singles. I was glad I watched it, but I do not think I ever will again.

SCORE: 5.2/10

The Wrestler

"The Wrestler" is part of a six movie cram session that I did on a flight to Europe and frankly, this movie did not impress as much as I thought it would. The bright spot of the film is Mickey Rourke. Rourke is absolutely amazing. His acting skills are almost overshadowed by his amazingly realistic wrestling scenes. The movie does a good job looking at the sad life of a washed up pro wrestler trying to get through a desperate, pathetic life. However, its two downfalls are the pace of film and the ending. At times, "The Wrestler" tends to drag on, finally leading up to an finish that leaves the viewer completely unsatistfied. Rourke rocks, Marisa Tomei is hot, but "The Wrestler" gets pinned in the end by a terrible ending.

SCORE: 5.0/10

Role Models

I never really heard much about this movie until it came out on DVD but once I saw "Role Models" I was surprised at how funny it is. Honestly, so good. I laughed so hard, so much it became unbearable. I've never been a huge fan of Seann William Scott but don't hold the "American Pie" series against him because he is at his best as the mascot suit wearing loser in this movie. From boobie jokes to Paul Rudd (again), "Role Models" delivers with the laughs and with an epic, inspirational ending. "Now let us gingerly touch our tips!"

SCORE: 8.6/10

I Love You, Man

"I Love You, Man" brings up the question: how does a man find guy friends without being gay or creepy? Well, if you're Paul Rudd, the answer is the be as painfully awkward as possible. Rudd is hysterical in this film, not because of his usual one line self, but because he played the socially awkward guy so well. I think at some points I forced myself to laugh just because I got so uncomfortable watching Rudd and Jason Segel that I had no choice. However, in the end, this bromance delivers a truely touching and funny film. Score another winner for Paul Rudd who is slowly becoming one of the most important comedians of his generation.

SCORE: 7.8/10

Star Trek

As one of my highest anticipated movies in a long time, I was concerned when going to see "Star Trek". Would it flop like most other summer blockbusters that I get pumped about, like "Spiderman 3" or "Pirates of the Carribean 3"? Lucky, it didn't. "Star Trek" is an incredibly entertaining film that is all that Star Trek fans could have asked for in an prequel/sequel. The cast does well following in the footsteps of Star Trek legends, from Chris Pine's heroic effort as William Shatner's James T. Kirk to Karl Urban's spot on representation of Bones. Despite a few questionable plot twists, this movie is a must see in theaters and a great summer film that ranks up there with any Star Trek movie made before it.

SCORE: 8.6/10

The Hangover

"The Hangover" tells a story of a bachelor party gone horribly horribly wrong. Three friends lose the groom in Vegas after a night of partying, drinking, and who knows what else and they must find him. Let the histerics begin. This film was one of the funniest I've seen in a long time. Of the Post-Will Ferrell era movies ("Superbad", "Forgetting Sarah Marshell", etc.) this was the second best behind "Superbad." The beginning, the middle, and the end (especially the credits) had me dying laughing. Also, who knew Mike Tyson could be so funny? As Ed Helms would sing it, "What do tigers dream of when they take a little tiger snooze?" I think they dream of how funny this movie is.

SCORE: 9.0/10

He's Just Not That Into You

Alright, so I went into this movie with low expectations and it managed to live up to the bar that I had set. When Greg Behrendt wrote the book, his intention was to tell women 'listen he's not into you. You aren't the exception; he isn't going to come around and fall magically in love with you. You are the rule. He doesn't care, just like every other guy out there.' However, it baffles me that Behrendt let this movie be made because it does just the opposite. The film manages to be a chick flick through and through, promoting to women that romance works out in the end, no matter what. Ladies, if you want to be told the truth, read the book. But if you'd like to pretend every relationship is like "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days", watch the movie.

SCORE: 4.1/10

Milk

"Milk" is an amazing film. I will admit it was kind of a odd choice for a Valentine's Day date but I am tremendously glad we went. This and Slumdog Millionaire will both be battling for my choice for best movie of the year. James Franco is outstanding as is Emile Hirsche (who continues to impress me with every new movie he's in), but Sean Penn steals the show. Penn doesn't just play the title role, he is Harvey Milk in this movie. He absolutely deserves the Oscar for Berst Actor this year and it would be a shame if he doesn't win the award.

SCORE: 9.4/10

Gladiator

I know is has taken me a while to see this movie but I finally watched it and I loved it, it was totally bad ass! Russel Crowe is awesome in this film and although I do not usually like him he did a really good job in this film. And although this film is definitely action packed it also has substance and is thoroughly enjoyable.

Revolutionary Road

This movie is a very interesting look into married life in the 1950's. I thought the acting and storyline were very well done and overall the movie was really good. I do not usually spend a lot of time paying attention to the filming techinique of a film but I really liked the camera angles and the way it was filmed, it really adds to the overall story. This movie is not necessarily easy to watch but it very good. The characters are interesting and well developed and you cannot help but get caught up in their pain and story. I really enjoyed this film and would recomend it completely.

Slumdog Millionaire

This movie is so, so good. "Slumdog Millionaire" takes the viewer on a range of so any emotions from immense happiness to complete shock to intense hilarity. The characters are amazingly developed so you become so attached to all of them from the main character of Jamil to the sleazy gameshow host. In all honesty, it was the second best movie I've seen in probably two years, second only to "The Dark Knight." Freida Pinto and Dev Patel are both amazing in this film and I hope to see both of them again in other roles. Go see this in the theater if you haven't yet.

SCORE: 9.8/10

The Pianist

Adrien Brody carries this film about Nazi-Poland and the Jewish struggle to survive the second World War. "The Painist" is rather long and pretty gruesome at times. However, it is definately worth watching once to get a perspective on how awful the war was and to see that some caring people existed throughout all the awefulness.

SCORE: 6.3/10

Run Fatboy Run

As a part time runner, I sometimes need inspiration to lace up my shoes and go for a jog. In "Run Fatboy Run", any runner can find the encouragement that they would need to do so. It is a hilarious movie about a out of shape mall cop who is trying to prove his love by running a marathon. I'll be honest; I love Simon Peg. He is probably my favorite British comedian. And he doesn't disappoint. Hank Azaria also provides a great enemy for Simon Peg. Yes, there are some typically bad lines and cheesy moments when one watches an 'inspirational' movie but really, who cares; its funny. Check this movie out.

SCORE: 8.8/10

Pineapple Express

I finally got around to seeing "Pineapple Express" after months of friends telling me that I had to. While I'm not a stoner, I found this movie hillarious. Not too far outside my top 10 funniest movies ever. James Franco is ridiculous as Seth Rogan's drug dealer. There are definately some cheesy lines for a few characters but it does matter. The film manages to be both witty and touching at the same time. I agree with what many have already said: the best stoner movie ever made.

SCORE: 8.4/10

Mamma Mia!

I like ABBA.  I have always enjoyed their music.  So I went into this with an open mind.  "Mamma Mia!" is the story of a girl trying to find her father on her wedding day.  She has three choices and all of them come to her wedding.  Let the hijinxs begin.  Sort of.  I never really figured out if this musical's conflict was the wedding, the lack of a father, or the inability of half the cast to sing.  I didn't hate it.  I didn't like it.  Check it out if you a.) like ABBA b.) like seeing Pierce Brosnan in disco clothes c.) really love musicals.  Otherwise, don't bother.  

SCORE:  4.2/10

Happy-Go-Lucky

"Happy-Go-Lucky" is a look at a british school teacher's insanely optimistic.  Sally Hawkins won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy for her role and rightfully so.  She is sweet and uberbubbly yet she turns it off when she needs to.  For American viewers, the movie can present some trouble with its heavy british accent.  However, I felt that I laughed during this movie more than I had in quite a few "indie" funny films.  The story is minimal and to the point, but I found the movie its self to be quite enjoyable and entertaining.

SCORE:  7/10

The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Ok like its title this movie was way way tooo long!! It is beautifully filmed and I liked the new take on the classic story of Jesse James but overall this movie is not good. The length of the shots drag out the story and cause the audience to lose interest fast. Brad Pitt made a much better Jesse James then I thought he would, he did a surprisingly good acting job and Casey Affleck is really creepy and good at playing the role of Robert Ford. Other than these two performances the film is lacking.
I would rate this film: 3

Eagle Eye

All I have to say is do not see this movie!!! It is pretty much retarted and predictable. The only good thing about it is you get to look at Shia LaBeouf for an hour and a half...if you're into that sort of thing.
I would rate this movie: 1

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I am not going to lie I loved this movie. It is really long but I did not mind the length. The way in which the director tells the story of Benjamin Button and his interesting life. The movie is presented with an old movie feel and although I am sure you have heard this before the way in which the story plays out is very similar to Forest Gump. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett are both really great in this movie but the real award should go to the make-up artist. The slow and gradual way in which the movie ages Pitt in reverse is amazing. Usually the aging of an actor in a film happens in very drastic stages but this film moves at exactly the right pace. The last thing I have to say about this movie is although it may look like a chick flick...it isn't. I truly believe guys will enjoy this film just as much as the ladies!
I would rate this movie: 9

Milk

I recently saw the movie Milk and while I went into the experience with mixed expectations I came out totally blown away. The actor and script throughout the movie is really well done. Although the movie is a little on the long side it does not feel that way and Sean Penn's portrayal of Harvy Milk is spot on. And while Josh Brolin also delivers a thoroughly creepy portrayal of Milk's assasin it is James Franco's portrayal of Milk's long time boyfriend who is my favorite. The movie is filled with colorful characters and tells a profound story in our nations history. I would definately recommend this film.
I would rate this film 8.5-9

Into The Wild

Two days ago, I finally saw "Into the Wild".  While long (nearly 3 hours), the movie is an entertaining look into one mans journey to self discovery that kept me interested the whole way despite knowing the eventual outcome.  Emile Hirsch does a great job portraying Chris McCandless, the post college graduate who rejects society as it is and just wants to get back to nature.  The movie lacked great dialogue and had some plot holes but "Into the Wild" is a true story that made me think about my outlook on life and how I'm living it.

SCORE:  7.3/10

Burn After Reading

So this is a weird one. "Burn After Reading" never really took off. Its funny in parts (thanks very much so by Brad Pitt) but its completely bizarre. Fans of "Fargo" will like this but the casual movie goer probably will not. The plot makes little sense and even though it seems to start to come together about 3/4 into the movie, it never really does. The movie is best described by J.K. Simmon's CIA agent character in the end:

"So what's the point?" Simmons asks a fellow CIAer.

"I don't know, sir."

That's basically "Burn After Reading". Somewhat entertaining but what's the point?

SCORE: 5.2/10

Smart People

"Smart People" is an odd yet entertaining movie. The writing and acting is very much like that of "Sideways" which makes sense seeing as how it had the same producer. Thomas Haden Church is the best part of this film because of his funny 'stach and dry humor. I watched it yesterday with my girlfriend. We both agreed that the movie is at times boring and long winded but an overall decent movie.

Score: 6.5/10