The two sequels (Dead Man's Chest and At World's End) to 2003's smash hit Pirates of the Caribbean: the Curse of the Black Pearl were written and filmed concurrently with one another. The difference between the two is that Dead Man's Chest is...
[+] Read Full Review

The two sequels (Dead Man's Chest and At World's End) to 2003's smash hit Pirates of the Caribbean: the Curse of the Black Pearl were written and filmed concurrently with one another. The difference between the two is that Dead Man's Chest is mostly buildup, while At World's End is the payoff. And boy is that payoff good. Actually, good doesn't even begin to describe the spectacular special effects, the frenzied action and storylines, the at-the-top-of-their-game-all-star cast, and the clever writing.

The movie picks up where the last one left off, with Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) dead after being eaten by the Kraken. Well, not exactly dead. He's just stuck in the life after death, where for eternity he must run a ship and a crew made up of multiple versions of himself. (Hey, that’s pretty good for hell.) Meanwhile, Elizabeth (Keira Knightly), Will (Orlando Blooms) and Barbosa (Geoffrey Rush, one of the highlights of the film) devise a plan to rescue him. Not particularly for their fondness of him (Elizabeth is the one who killed him in the last movie after all), but because he is one of the Nine Pirate Lords called The Brethren. The Brethren is calling a meeting where all Lords must be present to fight off the East India Company, who wants to rid the oceans of pirates everywhere.

And that's just the basis of the plot. There's also all the leftover storylines Dead Man's Chest left unresolved, including Davy Jones, the Flying Dutchman, Will's father… yada yada yada. It'd be wise to brush up on the previous Pirates films before viewing this one, because if you don't know those two backwards and forwards this one will confuse the hell out of you. And even then, you're bound to get a little lost. Every character has their own motive and secrets, and there are so many betrayals and plot twists that it becomes hard at points to keep track who's on whose side. But relax, sit back and enjoy the ride, because it's a wild and entertaining one.

The movie moves at a faster pace than the second one (most likely in an effort to wrap up all those storylines) which I liked. It wasn't until the last 20 minutes when I began shuffling in my seat (definitely not the case with Dead Man’s Chest), which is impressive considering that the movie is almost three hours long. The writers do a good job pushing things along so we can get to the big battle all three films have been leading up to: Pirates vs. East India Company, and boy is it a magnificent battle. There’s a 50 foot woman, hurricanes, whirlpools, cannons, people and monkeys flying everywhere...well, I won't spoil it for you, but it truly is a cinematic knock-out.

Along with the special effects, the actors help carry the movie along. Johnny Depp is as great as ever, and I even liked Orlando Bloom this time around. Keira Knightly's role grew substantially from the previous film, which was a nice surprise. She can more than carry herself, and the banter between her and Captain Jack is amusing. Also a fun treat is Jack and Barbosa's rivalry now that both have been brought back from the dead.

With all the dangling plot points, this last sequel does a surprisingly good job at tying everything up; never before have I seen a trilogy get wrapped up so well.

Final Thoughts: Forget what all those critics are saying. There's crackling one-liners, the best action sequences you'll see this year, and even a tragic love story. This movie pretty much has it all. If you can stand the long running time and convoluted storylines, this is one summer flick you'll want to go see.

- Tim Bronx
Find this and many more reviews at: www.motionpicturereviews.com

Everyone's growing up in this second sequel to 2001's widely popular Shrek. Donkey's become a father and has turned into Shrek's go-to man...err, donkey...for advice; Shrek faces the looming possibility of parenthood and becoming a king. It's...
[+] Read Full Review

Everyone's growing up in this second sequel to 2001's widely popular Shrek. Donkey's become a father and has turned into Shrek's go-to man...err, donkey...for advice; Shrek faces the looming possibility of parenthood and becoming a king. It's all nice and all, and sure, who doesn't like character development, but it's not funny! What happened to the Ogre who didn't give a damn what anyone thought, or the persistently annoying Donkey? Both of these characters have matured since the first film, but they're no longer as amusing. They've become, well, responsible adults; but where's the fun in that, especially in a children's film?

The stale plot doesn't help much either. After Fiona's father (John Cleese) dies, in one of the few hilarious moments of the film ironically, Shrek sets out to find an heir to the throne as he desperately doesn't want to rule Far Far Away. The only other heir to the throne, though, is a teenager named Artie (Justin Timberlake), who is also utterly frightened by the prospect of leading a Kingdom. So while Shrek, Donkey and Puss struggle to convince Artie into becoming a King, the malicious Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) takes advantage of the Kingless Kingdom and with the help of a few Fairy Tale outcasts (the Wicked Witch, Captain Hook and Cyclops just to name a few) takes over Far Far Away. Which all leads up to a final confrontation between Shrek and Charming....on stage.

One of the main problems with the movie is that it isn't new anymore. We already expect the Fairy Tale jokes, the pop culture references, and this film doesn't add anything new to the formula. The last sequel kept things new by introducing the Kingdom of Far Far Away, but here we already know the kingdom backwards and forwards, and it all seems like a sub par retread of the first two films.

And for Pete's sake! Whose idea was it to push characters we love aside to make room for Artie as the center plot point. Sorry Justin, but the character is boring, and he almost forces Donkey to become to a side character, which is a damn shame.

Final Thoughts: It still has its funny moments, and Shrek and the gang still have their charm. The animation is also better than ever. But by the time the film nears its end and Shrek gives his "Just be your self" speech, you'll begin to wish for the Shrek that won us over six years ago.

- Tim Bronx
www.motionpicturereviews.com

Wow. The first ten minutes of this film alone are worth the price of admission. Talk about horrifying.

28 Days Later is about the destruction of London after a “rage...
[+] Read Full Review

Wow. The first ten minutes of this film alone are worth the price of admission. Talk about horrifying.

28 Days Later is about the destruction of London after a “rage virus� is released that turns humans within seconds into crazed cannibals. 28 Weeks Later begins with the reconstruction of London after the virus has been eliminated, or so our characters think. Shortly after 10,000 people are moved into an isolated section of London titled Sector 1, watched over by the US army, a survivor of the original contamination is found who is unknowingly carrying a dormant version of the virus. Soon the virus begins to spread once again, turning London into a center of chaos and destruction, where the victims of the virus aren’t the only enemies.

The movie moves at a swifter pace than its predecessor. A new twist on the notion of zombiehood complicates matters even more, and gives the film an even more frantic feel as it becomes more difficult to distinguish opponent from ally. The movie is scary as hell, and it without a doubt will have you jumping in fright more times then two hands can count.

As in the first one, the film makes timely comments about the role of military in civilizations, probably making a comparison to the US presence in the Middle East. The zombies in this film aren’t the only enemy a small group of survivors have to fight as military troops are quickly ordered to gun down every moving body left and right, whether infected or not.

The director manages to create a chilling atmosphere, where the anticipation of what lays the dark shadows of the night can be just as scary as the actual violence. The shaky handheld cameras become nausea-inducing at points, but they provide a good feel of the quick-pace the violent hunters travel, and boy are they violent. The movie has plenty of gore, but unlike films such as Hostel and (I have to admit it) Saw where gore is used purely for shock factor, 28 Weeks Later uses it sparingly and always for a purpose. There is an excellent ratio of violence to suspense.

Final Thoughts: As great as the movie is, it all feels too familiar. The modern-day take on the zombie genre, the complicated questions on human nature; it was all done just as well, if not better, in the first one. It doesn't feel as if there was any real need for a sequel, except perhaps to entertain and scare audiences once again. And for some, that may be good enough.

- Tim
Find this and many more reviews at: www.motionpicturereviews.com

"Since when did we become a disease?"

The action-packed movie event of the summer has arrived, and it knows how to deliver.
Since the end of X2 many things have happened. The world is now finally starting to accept...
[+] Read Full Review

"Since when did we become a disease?"

The action-packed movie event of the summer has arrived, and it knows how to deliver.
Since the end of X2 many things have happened. The world is now finally starting to accept mutants, and mutants are now even becoming integrated into our government (Kelsey Grammer playing Dr. Henry Hank McCoy a.k.a. beast, serves as the head of The Department of Mutant Affairs). But a recent emergence of a "cure" to the mutant gene threatens to disrupt all the peace.
The "cure" ironically comes from another mutant (“Leech" played by Cameron Bright). His power is an ability to disable any mutant power that comes into contact with him. The government has extracted his antibodies to the mutant gene and is giving all mutants the option to have it injected into them, causing their mutant powers to disappear. There are some mutants such as Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) who are fine with letting mutants have the option. But there are others such as Magneto (Ian McKellen), who strongly oppose the new cure and act out against it. "We are the cure!" Magneto shouts to a loyal group of followers he refers to as The Brotherhood. They have made it their mission to suppress the source of the cure and all those who support or subject themselves to be "cured" by it. The government then reacts by putting soldiers on the streets that have guns loaded with the antibody.
For many mutants such as Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Storm (Halle Berry), the cure is unnecessary and they are uninterested in it. For others such as Rogue (Anna Paquin), a mutant whose power causes her to not be able to touch any other human, the cure is a strong temptation.
The movie has an interesting plot that can be related to many events going on in society and it brings up many interesting questions. What is normal? What makes one person normal and not another? Why would someone want to be "normal"?
The movie has a strong cast but in this case a few too many. I was a bit disappointed with the director’s choice to kill off many main characters (some are killed off within 15 minutes into the movie) that we have gotten to know in the past two films. I would have rather continued to watch characters that we love and care about battle through this ordeal, rather than introducing many new characters that we hardly know. I guess this was an effort to please many of the comic book fans (there are still many mutants not touched on in the movies), but it causes us to only have glimpses of each mutant instead of really getting to know one. In some cases, though, we get too much of a mutant such as Halle Berry's Storm (who is probably the most uninteresting of the bunch). Jean Grey (the beautiful Famke Janssen) makes a return, except this time with uncontrollable telekinetic powers that cause her to become the most dangerous mutant of them all.
Final Thoughts: The action has never been better, and the final climatic battle is the best out of all the X-Men films. While some of the wit is gone that was present in the previous films, Director Brett Singer certainly knows how to entertain.

- Tim Bronx
www.motionpicturereviews.com

The previews for The Break-Up advertise it as a romantic comedy. The ending result isn't quite as advertised, but rarely anything in Hollywood is.
Gary (Vince Vaughn) and Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) meet at a baseball game, where Gary offers...
[+] Read Full Review

The previews for The Break-Up advertise it as a romantic comedy. The ending result isn't quite as advertised, but rarely anything in Hollywood is.
Gary (Vince Vaughn) and Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) meet at a baseball game, where Gary offers her a hotdog and convinces her to go out on a date with him, even though she is at the game with another man. We then flash forward three years later and see the married couple preparing for a family get together. After watching this on screen couple for ten minutes, though, you begin to wonder why in the world are they married.
Gary and Brooke argue continuously. Gary wants a pool table now; Brooke wants to wait for a bigger place. Gary wants to play video games; Brooke wants to go to the ballet. Gary wants to relax and Brooke wants him to help clean up. This ladies and gentlemen is what you get for the next hour and half.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some good laughs in the movie. Particularly from the supporting characters, including Gary's longtime friend (Jon Favreau), and Brooke's brother (John Michael Higgins), a closeted homosexual who ends up unexpectedly kicking Gary's ass. Actually the worse parts of the movie are when Gary and Brooke are paired up together, which is not a good thing. Vince Vaughn is one of the funniest comedians around, and Jennifer Anniston has great comic timing, but the script just doesn't work. The characters don't have anything in common, and there are many painful arguments that just aren’t entertaining. Many of the arguments are very realistic of problems couples experience in real life, but why would we paid 10 bucks to watch something we can see at home?
One of the best parts of the movie is when Gary and Brooke actually start communicating with each other about their feelings. What results is one of the best dramatic scenes that either actor has ever done. But that's not exactly what the audience paid to go see.
Final Thoughts: Both actors try, but many audience members going in expecting side-splitting laughs will be disappointed. Overall, it’s a decent film to check out on video.
- Tim Bronx
Find this and many more reviews at: www.motionpicturereviews.com

Although Vacancy begins as a typical horror film, it quickly escalates into a frightening cat-and-mouse game that manages to achieve a heart-pounding atmosphere that most modern horror movies cannot.

Amy and David Fox are on their...
[+] Read Full Review

Although Vacancy begins as a typical horror film, it quickly escalates into a frightening cat-and-mouse game that manages to achieve a heart-pounding atmosphere that most modern horror movies cannot.

Amy and David Fox are on their way home and David unwisely decides to venture from the interstate for a shortcut. When Amy wakes up, the couple begins to bicker incessantly, the first clue to the audience that they're in the throes of a dissolved marriage. When car trouble forces them off the road, they head back to an old motel, a good refuge they believe to wait out the night until they can get a mechanic the following morning.

The director, Nimrod Antal creates the mood perfectly. From the opening scene, the audience can sense the terrible hell the bitter couple is about to face. He also does a good job building up the suspense. Once in their room, the couple begins to receive telephone calls with no one on the other line, along with knocks at the door with no one on the other side. They also soon begin to hear banging on the walls. Every minute in the movie contributes to the chilling atmosphere and spine-tingling suspense. Anticipation can frighten an audience more than a plethora of gore, and Antal uses that knowledge wisely. Antal builds up suspense wisely, and every minute that passes by in the movie you can feel your pulse increase.

Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale handle the parts very well. They are both achieved actors, and they bring a subtle intelligence to the characters that make them much more likable than in most horror films where the characters are simply body counts. Granted, no one’s going to win an Oscar. But they make so we root for them from the beginning, and there is never a section in the movie where they act unbelievable.

Final Thoughts: This is the best horror film released this year. Although the movie begins to break down towards the end, you will nevertheless come out of the film with your heart pounding.

- Tim Bronx
Find this and many more reviews at: www.motionpicturereviews.com

This was one of the most-anticipated summer releases for me, and I went into the theatre fully expecting to give the movie a full four stars. So why was I disappointed?

The great characters were still there, brought to life by the...
[+] Read Full Review

This was one of the most-anticipated summer releases for me, and I went into the theatre fully expecting to give the movie a full four stars. So why was I disappointed?

The great characters were still there, brought to life by the skilled actors. There were still a small dose of humor and romance. There were themes on the importance on family, truth and honor. And boy, did the movie have some great plots. There was Goblin II, Venom, Sand-Man, Spider-Man going dark, Harry's Amnesia. But there was too much. Each of the past Spider-Man films, Peter had to face one main villian, the Big Bad. In the first film, it was Goblin. In the second, it was Doc Ock. And each of those films worked beautifully. So why would the writers try to give Peter three villains to face. Three Big Bads?! Come on, that's just too much.

As a result, there was no room for side plots. We hardly got a view of life at The Daily Bugle, or Mary Jane's falling Broadway career or her struggles with dating Spider-Man. There was also hardly any time for the side characters that we love so much. Aunt May was barely in two scenes, and only to offer advice that the audience already knew.

Is this the final Spider-Man film? Is that why the writers felt they had to cram all the storylines they had left into one? I sure hope not. This is not the way I want the Spider-Man franchise to go out.

And I have to say it: Whatever writer thought of the idea of Peter Parker turning emo needs to stay away if they ever make a Spider-Man 4. It just didn’t work.

Final Thoughts: Don't get my wrong, this is a great film. The special effects are out of this world, and I certainly was entertained. But is it wrong of me to ask for more? Or in this case, less?

- Tim Bronx
Find this and many more reviews at: www.motionpicturereviews.com

From what I've seen, Jennifer is not only a great actress but a great person as well. I have not heard one bad thing about her in the media, and she always manages to stay out of the spotlight, showing that she isn't striving for star power...
[+] Read Full Review

From what I've seen, Jennifer is not only a great actress but a great person as well. I have not heard one bad thing about her in the media, and she always manages to stay out of the spotlight, showing that she isn't striving for star power like many other celebrities. I first discovered her in "Alias" and thought she did a fantastic job as CIA Agent Sydney Bristow. Since "Alias", I have followed her work and think she chooses a good array of films (well, not counting Elektra). I wish her the best of luck with her career and hope she lands many more roles in the future.

"Wait, one more thing...What is the Rabbit's Foot?"

That is the question Tom Cruise's character asks after jumping off of a building, hanging out of a speeding car, jumping out through a glass window over 100 feet off the...
[+] Read Full Review

"Wait, one more thing...What is the Rabbit's Foot?"

That is the question Tom Cruise's character asks after jumping off of a building, hanging out of a speeding car, jumping out through a glass window over 100 feet off the ground, getting yanked around by a mad parachute, and almost getting ran over 5 times; all of this trying to acquire the Rabbit's Foot. Does he receive an answer? No. Does the audience receive an answer? No. Does the audience care? Once again, no.

This is a pure action movie and the crew behind M:I:3 know so well that this is what the audience is coming for, that they don't even feel it necessary to provide an explanation for the film's MacGuffin. They know the audience doesn't care why Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is in a fight with 4 armed guards or why he must break into the Vatican. They know the audience just wants likeable characters that get involved in top notch, intense, action sequences. This knowledge is why this film blows away the previous two missions and kicks off the summer movie season into high gear.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is trying to settle down. He has quite being a field agent, for the easier job of training new recruits under the cover job of a highway traffic control engineer. Ethan is engaged to the love of his life (Michelle Monaghan), he lives in a nice house, has good friends and is looking forward to getting married. All that changes when his agency, I.M.F., contacts him and tells him one of the agents that he trained (Keri Russell), has been kidnapped by a weapons dealer (Philip Seymour Hoffman). I.M.F. needs him to get her back. Things, though, are never quite as easy as they seem, as an unexpected death arises and Ethan begins to suspect there is a mole in the agency.

From there they action takes off. Highways explode as cars are traveling across. Helicopters get smashed by giant windmills. Characters get thrown into cars, hung from airplanes, slammed into glass roofs, and some even get bombs implanted in their heads.

J.J. Abrams (the creative force behind two of my favorite television shows, Alias and Lost) knows how to deliver action sequences and knows how to get the audience involved. He raises the stakes for Ethan, as characters he are close to this time are the ones in danger. Not only, though, is there better action sequences but in this sequel there is a team supporting Ethan (a contrast to all the solo Ethan missions in the previous films), providing much needed witty banter between characters and even a few laughs in between all the explosions. The only problem I have with the movie is that it ends too suddenly. But I suppose they didn't have much of a choice. The movie already runs over two hours and audiences these days due tend to have a limited attention span.

Final Thoughts: This is the kind of action movie that thrill seeking audience members have been waiting for the past couple of years. With better visuals, additional explosions, and more likeable characters then the previous two films, there's not a lot more you could ask for.

- Tim Bronx
Find this and many more reviews at: www.motionpicturereviews.com

This remake to the 1976 classic raises the level of gore, but doesn't manage to leave the same psychological impact the original did.

Hollywood is beginning to loose its creative touch. It seems almost half of the horror movies...
[+] Read Full Review

This remake to the 1976 classic raises the level of gore, but doesn't manage to leave the same psychological impact the original did.

Hollywood is beginning to loose its creative touch. It seems almost half of the horror movies released in the past year are remakes: The Amityville Horror, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Fog, and When a Stranger Calls are just a few of them. None of those films, (even though I was a fan of the TCM remake) manage to install the same level of fear in us that the originals did. While I do attribute this to the ever changing times, more violence in television and video games, it mostly has to do with the fact that the directors thought just adding in more gore would be scarier. The Omen happens to make the same mistake. It hopes that the big gory scenes will hold us through all the dull moments, but with almost no suspense it delivers something that is lower then most viewer's expectations.

The story is basically the same as the original. On the night of his wife’s delivery Robert Thorn (Leiv Schreiber) gets told by a priest that his newborn baby has died. Another woman next door died during child birth, and the priest convinces Robert to take that child and to leave the swap hidden from his wife Katherine (Julia Stiles). The story then flashes forward five years as Katherine begins to feel uncomfortable around her five year old son, and feels there is something about him that just isn't right.

The actors do try hard and most pull it off. Leiv Schreiber is very convincing as an estranged father who feels guilty for the lie he told his wife, and is willing to find out the truth about his son, Damian, at whatever costs. Mia Farrow also does an excellent job as a mysterious woman who, after the previous nanny commits suicide, becomes Damian's nanny. She definitely is the creepiest part of the film, and every time she was on screen I had no idea what she was up to. Now while Julia Stiles is able to pull off scared very well, when the time comes to bring on the tears it's rather painful to watch.

The real weakness of the film is little Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick. His constant I'm-going-to-stick-out-my-lip-when-I'm-angry facial expression made many audience members laugh, and just made him look like a child pouting. The creepiest scenes with him are when he makes no facial expression at all. He certainly can scream, though, so kudos goes to him for doing some pretty intense scenes for a five year old.

John Moore does a very good job with the scenery. He is very skilled at composing many intriguing images of white backgrounds with something bright or eerie to draw your attention. Watch for the scene with Julia Stiles in her white bathroom; you're in for a good scare.

Meet Molly (Kate Hudson) and Carl (Matt Dillon), two newlyweds who have just begun to settle down with stable jobs, a beautiful house, and nice neighbors. Meet Dupree (Owen Wilson), the party loving, childish bachelor who happens to be Carl's...
[+] Read Full Review

Meet Molly (Kate Hudson) and Carl (Matt Dillon), two newlyweds who have just begun to settle down with stable jobs, a beautiful house, and nice neighbors. Meet Dupree (Owen Wilson), the party loving, childish bachelor who happens to be Carl's best friend. Watch Dupree loose his job. Watch Carl convince Molly to take Dupree in. Watch Dupree ruin their lives.

This movie is a classic case of people living together who just aren’t compatible, very much in the tradition of The Odd Couple except here it's The Odd Triple. Dupree manages to screw up in every way possible, whether it's ordering HBO without asking first, lying around the house naked, walking in on the couple during intimate moments, or burning down their house. While many of these situations are humorous, you can't ride a movie on these alone and when taken to the extreme these situations just aren’t funny. (Does anyone find amusing watching a couples house burn down in flames?)

What really keeps this film afloat is Owen Wilson. Slacker Dupree is likeable and Owen Wilson has that foolish charmer role down perfectly (see last summers Wedding Crashers for an even better, and funnier, example), and no matter what he does he manages to always hold that child like innocence that's always fun to watch on screen.

All the other actors try hard, also. Kate Hudson is sparkling as usual on screen, and Michael Douglas, well, he's Michael Douglas, going through the role like an old pro who knows he doesn't need the money but is having a fun time anyway. Matt Dillon got the dullest role, and the slowest scenes in the movie were his. The movie also managed to get a great ensemble of character actors as Dupree and Carl's friends, and one of them particularly provides good laughs, but unfortunately is underused.

The film doesn’t know what it wants to be, though. Is it a drama about a wife whose husband is never home? Is it a comedy about a husband whose wife's overly protective father (Michael Douglas) keeps pestering him? Or is it, as it was advertised, a comedy about a man who never grew up? The truth is that it's a little bit of all three.

- Tim Bronx
www.motionpicturereviews.com

The Superman Saga returns after a long absence with new actors, new little story twists (Lois Lane with a son?), and new top of the line special effects. And boy, it looks better then ever.

Superman (Brandon Routh) returns after a...
[+] Read Full Review

The Superman Saga returns after a long absence with new actors, new little story twists (Lois Lane with a son?), and new top of the line special effects. And boy, it looks better then ever.

Superman (Brandon Routh) returns after a five year absence, during which he went searching for his home planet Krypton ( it is never clear why it took so long). The inhabitants of earth welcome him back enthusiastically, and he manages to fit back into his old lifestyle (for the most part) as both Superman and Clark Kent. Some things, though, have changed.

In the time he was gone his love, Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth), got hitched and gave birth to a five year old son, Jason. She also won a Pulitzer for her editorial titled "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman." With the release of Lex Luthor (the wonderful Kevin Spacey) from jail, though, and another diabolical scheme of his to rule the world, she might just change her mind.

Brandon Routh does an excellent job as Superman, and manages to bring his own to the role, while still mimicking many of the same quirks Christopher Reeve's Clark Kent had (he even strangely resembles Reeve). As Clark Kent he stammers, is nervous, and walks with his head bowed down; as Superman, though, he is strong and confident, zipping through the air saving damsels in distress, such as his beloved Lois Lane. Bosworth's Lois is more mature and earnest then Margot Kidder's, which could be a result of the love of her life's disappearance. While this growth is nice, it also consequently takes away some of that wonderful zest Lois used to have. Bosworth and Brandon do have great chemistry, though, and the screen sizzles during their flight over the city.

Lex Luthor has always been one of my favorite characters, and Kevin Spacey does him justice. You can see how much fun Spacey is having on screen, and he is just enticing to watch. Parker Posey also does a wonderful job as Lex's somewhat dimwitted and yet hilarious sidekick, but unfortunately their just isn't enough time for her on screen.

The special effects are of course out of this world, pun intended. It feels as if you are part of the action, and Bryan Singer does an excellent job with the franchise. I loved that the original theme song was used for this film, and the opening titled sequence with those laser-like blue credits felt like deja vu. This entry has a little bit different feel, though, then those entries in the 70s and 80s. The story is darker then the light hearted and fun original, and although there are some laughs, it always takes itself very seriously.

- Tim Bronx
www.motionpicturereviews.com

I dropped my jaw in shock; I chuckled while turning away in disgust; I laughed so hard my coke spurted out of my mouth. That's right folks, it's the new Clerks movie.

Man, where to start. Well, as the title suggest, the film...
[+] Read Full Review

I dropped my jaw in shock; I chuckled while turning away in disgust; I laughed so hard my coke spurted out of my mouth. That's right folks, it's the new Clerks movie.

Man, where to start. Well, as the title suggest, the film focuses on two clerks, Dante (Brian Christopher O’Halloran) and Randall (Jeff Anderson), whose Quick Stop store burns down, forcing them to find fresh jobs. They find work at a ridiculously cow themed restaurant called Mooby's, that is headed up by sexy restaurant manager Becky (Rosario Dawson). Just like in the first film Randall is still the adult who never grew up, and out in the parking lot (fresh out of rehab, having found Christ) are Jay (Jason Mews) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) still selling weed.

One big thing has changed, though. Dante, now 33 years old, doesn't want to just work at a restaurant or convenience store; he wants something better for his life. He and his fiancée Emma (Kevin Smith’s wife, Jennifer Schwalbach) are planning to move out to Florida, get married, and he’s going to finally find a more respectable job. So what's holding him back? Could it be his yearnings for the more fun and intelligent Becky?

The film was actually more romantic then I expected, and actually had somewhat of a plot. It never needed one, though, because the excellent script handwritten by Kevin Smith shines. And just watching these characters argue over Star Wars vs. Lord of the Rings is plenty enough fun. Fresh newcomer Trevor Fehrman (Elias) is a welcome addition to the cast, and uses his character's innocence to create some of the funniest scenes in the film (you will never think of trolls the same way again). Randall, though, is the one who spews some of the film's funniest lines, and Rosario Dawson looks as natural in her role as ever (she also somehow manages to convince us that someone so charming and confident would fall for Dante)

The film is raunchier then the first one, but is somehow more sentimental at the same time. It's been twelve years since the first film, and as much as we would like these characters to stay carefree, dirty mouth, bachelors forever they can't (although they come pretty close). This is best seen with Dante, as he begins to worry about his future and what will become of his life. Characters also begin spurting out the L word and declaring their emotional attachment to one another, which many films of the first film will be taken aback by.

Don't think that Kevin Smith's getting all sentimental on us now. When you watch characters have a prolonged argument about whether you ever go ass to mouth, you know you’re in for a wild ride.

Arghhhhh, Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is back and better then ever. Along for the ride are a giant sea monster, an all star cast, sea battles, ghost ships, sword fights, cannibals, a voodoo enchantress and pretty much everything else you could...
[+] Read Full Review

Arghhhhh, Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is back and better then ever. Along for the ride are a giant sea monster, an all star cast, sea battles, ghost ships, sword fights, cannibals, a voodoo enchantress and pretty much everything else you could want from a Pirates film. Oh wait, did you want it to actually have a intricate plot? No! We just wanted to be entertained, and the movie does a pretty damn fine job of that.

On the eve of their wedding night Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightly), are taken into custody for helping good ol' Jack Sparrow escape in the previous film. Will Turner has to retrieve from Jack a very important and unique compass on behalf of the East India Trading Company, or it's off to the Gallows for both him and his fiancé. So Will goes after Jack, and eventually Elizabeth goes after Will, leading up to Will, Jack, and Elizabeth all meeting up for fantastic sword fights, witty banter, and a bit of love triangle. Along the way are Davy Jones (played amazingly by Bill Nighy) and his crew of sea creatures, who Jack happens to owe his soul to.

All the actors do a marvelous job, but of course Johnny Depp is the one that comes out on top. His loony performance as Captain Jack Sparrow never gets old, and we find ourselves rooting for him during his high points and his low. Orlando Bloom tries his best as Will, who meets up with his long lost father on Davy Jones' ship, but unfortunately his scenes are probably the film's dullest moments. Keira Knightly is somewhat out of the picture for most of the film, but when she and Jack Sparrow meet up the witty remarks fly and the screen sizzles. Sorry Will, but you got nothing on Jack.

There are not enough adjectives to describe the spectacular special effects. Davy Jones is a wonder to watch, and you can still somehow see Bill Nighy acting under all those tentacles. The grotesque sea monster The Kraken is stunning, and looks like something pulled out of our worst nightmares. And then there are of course all the wonderfully choreographed sword fights, chase scenes, runaway mill wheels, crazy pirates and islanders.

- Tim Bronx
Find this and many more reviews at: www.motionpicturereviews.com

It's Halloween, so you know what that means. Well yeah, lots of candy and campy costumes, but I'm talking about another installment in the Saw series. Yes, the it's-so-bloody-and-disgusting-and-yet-I-can't-take-my-eyes-of-the-screen franchise is...
[+] Read Full Review

It's Halloween, so you know what that means. Well yeah, lots of candy and campy costumes, but I'm talking about another installment in the Saw series. Yes, the it's-so-bloody-and-disgusting-and-yet-I-can't-take-my-eyes-of-the-screen franchise is back, and once again the writers have managed to create a crafty little film that, while not quite up to par with the original, is still top notch over the average slasher flick.

The series picks up shortly after the events of Saw II, with Eric Mathews chained up by his ankle in his cell, wondering what the saw lying by his body is meant to be used for if it won't cut through his chain (many fans of the franchise will already know the answer to that), and his detective friend, Carrie (Dina Myers), still investigating the mysterious killer Jigsaw. Jigsaw (played masterfully by Tobin Bell) is now his deathbed, planning his final "game" with the help of his apprentice Amanda (Shawnee Smith), who he hopes to be able to pass on his works to when he dies.

The pawn in Jigsaw's final game is Jeff, a father seeking vengeance for his son's recent death. Jigsaw’s game for Jeff is a test to see if he can learn forgiveness. In Jigsaw's game, Jeff will come face to face with different people somehow involved in the death of his son, where he will be offered the chance to save them from one of Jigsaw's sadistic inventions, or where he can choose to let them die. The choice is his, with the promise that at the end of the game he will get to meet the man responsible for his son's death.

Jigsaw, wanting to guarantee he will be able to see his final game play out, brings in Dr. Ann Donlon. Ann's part in the game is to keep Jigsaw alive. If Jigsaw's heart beat flat lines, the collar strapped around Ann's neck will explode. Needless to say, Ann works hard to keep Jigsaw’s cancer from catching up with him.

Jigsaw's games are never as simple as they appear, and once again viewers will be duped into believing one thing only for the writers to take a sharp turn in the other direction. The Saw films have become well known for their surprise endings, and while this one isn’t as much of a shocker, the emotional impact still pacts quite a wallop and it once again teaches the valuable lesson: Always listen to Jigsaw! Yes, the man may be a killer but he is always honest.

The continuity of the Saw films is amazing, especially for a horror saga. Most horror films hardly keep the same actors for multiple entries, much alone take the time to wrap up plot points and give back story all the way from the first film. Saw III is absolutely for the fans, and first time viewers will most likely get lost during the multiple flashbacks to previous films and beyond.

Okay, so how about the quality of the film? Well, none of the side characters give a standout performance; they do an average job. Shawnee Smith and Tobin Bell both give solid performances, though, and both get their moments to shine in this film. The score for this film was a little disappointing. It wasn't as strong as previous entries and a little mellower (what happened to that distinctive theme song used in the previous films?). Once again, unfortunately, the flashy and choppy editing during torture scenes was used, although, thankfully, it was toned down more for this film.

The only real problem with the film is that by now Jigsaw has become so well known, that the mystery and eeriness the original had has been lost. Jigsaw's game with Jeff also by now feels too much like Deja Vu, but the writers do plenty of creative things with Jigsaw and Amanda's twisted relationship to make this movie distinctive from the previous entries. Also, a little warning for those readers who live in a cave, the Saw films are very gory and this one continues the tradition. Maybe not as bad as TCM: the Beginning, but certainly not for faint of heart.

Final Thoughts: I loved Saw I, liked Saw II, and really liked this film. The suspense factor isn't really there, but the film definitely will make you squirm and squeal in your seat. It's a good Halloween treat for horror fans. It ties up many loose ends from previous films and brings the Saw franchise full circle. Even if they do decide to go on with a Saw IV, this will be the last Saw film for me. Please guys, end the series now with dignity.

- Tim Bronx
Find this and many more reviews at: www.motionpicturereviews.com

Larry (Ben Stiller) is having a bad day. He has recently gotten fired from his job and his landlord is threatening to evict him. On top of that, his wife (Kim Raver) thinks his instability is negative for their son Nick and is suggesting Nick...
[+] Read Full Review

Larry (Ben Stiller) is having a bad day. He has recently gotten fired from his job and his landlord is threatening to evict him. On top of that, his wife (Kim Raver) thinks his instability is negative for their son Nick and is suggesting Nick live with her permanently. Larry's last resort is a job at a museum of natural history as a night guard. Unknown to him, though, is that when the sun sets the wax figures in the museum come to life, causing chaos and destruction all throughout the museum that Larry must keep order in.

The film has many things going for it. The CGI is excellent, and all the tyrannosaurus rex chases and warring miniature soldiers look authentic and are fun to watch. Night at the Museum also has a great array of comedic actors, besides the always funny Ben Stiller, including Ricky Gervais as the museum director, Robin Williams as Theodore Roosevelt, and Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan as a cowboy and a roman soldier at war with one another. These actors provide plenty of comedic moments, and hold their own against the special effects.

As with most children's films, the humor is often more silly than funny, and you are constantly hit over the head with cliché characters and themes meant to teach children the importance of peace instead of violence, honesty instead of lies, etc. The movie does make good points about bravery and the importance of learning history. Its array of accurate historical characters might even teach you a thing or two. If you want a quality family film that your kids will love and that will give you a few good laughs, this is the one you'll want to check out.

- Tim Bronx
Find this and many other reviews at: www.motionpciturereviews.com

Turistas is about a group of tourists visiting Brazil. During the trip, the tourists’ belongs get stolen, including their luggage, shoes and passports, and they become stranded in a poverty-stricken village with no way of returning home...
[+] Read Full Review

Turistas is about a group of tourists visiting Brazil. During the trip, the tourists’ belongs get stolen, including their luggage, shoes and passports, and they become stranded in a poverty-stricken village with no way of returning home and no way of finding help because of their language barrier. A nice Brazilian who speaks English, Kiko, offers them shelter at his uncle's house for the night. Unfortunately for them, Kiko's uncle is an organ thief who steals American tourists' organs (and I mean all of their organs) to supply needy Brazilians with.

I wanted to like the movie, I really did. I love Melissa George, and I’d been craving a good scare for awhile. Unfortunately, so many things were wrong with the film that I don’t know where to begin. Ignoring the first 2/3 of the movie (which is dully occupied primarily by tourists wandering around in the jungle), even when the film reaches its climax there is hardly any suspense at all. The director makes the mistake, like many modern horror directors, of substituting excessive gore for scares. Gore alone is not scary! Yes, it may make many audience members turn away in disgust, but it will not make anybody jump in bloodcurdling fright. Mix that in with unlikable and shallow characters, an unnecessary underwater scene that goes on for eons, villains that aren't frightening, topped off with a pedestrian and unoriginal plot, and what results is not a horror movie, but just a plain horrible movie.

The best part of the film was when the writers explored the isolation the tourists felt by the language barrier between them and the natives, and their struggles to find help in a place where they couldn't be understood. But of course this section of the film had to be skimmed over. How else would we get to all the body-slashing fun?

After a tragic accident, six women meet up again a year later for some fun, easy spelunking in the Appalachians; a good bonding experience. Once inside the cave, though, a cave-in occurs that blocks the way they were planning to exit. Now the...
[+] Read Full Review

After a tragic accident, six women meet up again a year later for some fun, easy spelunking in the Appalachians; a good bonding experience. Once inside the cave, though, a cave-in occurs that blocks the way they were planning to exit. Now the six friends must try and find another way out as they struggling to stick together without turning on one another.

The director (Nail Marshall) does an excellent job with the claustrophobia the women feel. Tension between the friends raises the longer they are trapped in the cave, and in the panic to find sunlight secrets begin to leak out among the seemingly close circle of friends. Just as it appears things couldn't get any worse, about half way through the film Marshall adds another twist. Something else is lurking in the dark shadowy corners of the cave. Something with agility and strength. Something that has a mighty strong appetite…for human flesh.

The movie is relentlessly shocking, and will have you coming out into the lobby with your heart pounding in your chest. The title not only refers to the descent the women make into the hellish nightmare that lies beneath, but also the psychology descent the women make into their deepest survival instincts.

The movie deserves to be applauded for avoiding the stereotypical role most women play in horror films. These are women that are finally worth rooting for, as they don't just sit around and hope the nightmare passes; they fight ruthlessly for their right to live.

The creatures that lie in the shadows (“crawlers" is what I believe the credits refer to them by), are effectively creepy, and look like things pulled out of our worst nightmares. It's scary enough watching women maneuvering through tight spaces and chambers with dark corners; not knowing why lies in the shadows. But actually knowing that there is a predatory lurking out there, moving in for the kill, almost drives you insane with suspense and fright.

The acting is extremely believable (I read that Nail Marshall decided not to show the women the creatures ahead of time so he could get a genuine frightened reaction out of them), and the movie manages to reach deep into our darkest fears. Not only is it a battle of physical strength for the women, but it's also a mental battle as they not only must fight the things that lurk in the dark, but possibly each other as well.

Final Thoughts: This is one of the best horror films of the past couple of years. Marshall pays homage to many other classic horror movies such as Carrie and Alien. And yet he still manages to make it feel fresh, exciting, and something all of his own. He does an excellent job with the darkness, as he leaves some of the gruesome events going on in the shadows to our imagination, which can pretty scary by itself. There's always a limit to what you can show on screen, but not to the audience's imagination. But don't worry there is plenty of violence showed on screen as well. It's just the perfect amount to keep you pumped up and jumping out of your seats, instead of exiting the theatre feeling queasy.

The Illusionist follows Eisenheim (Edward Norton), a famed magician in 1900 Viena whose illusions become the talk, and fear, of the city.

One night, during a performance, a woman volunteers to help him in an act. When Eisenheim...
[+] Read Full Review

The Illusionist follows Eisenheim (Edward Norton), a famed magician in 1900 Viena whose illusions become the talk, and fear, of the city.

One night, during a performance, a woman volunteers to help him in an act. When Eisenheim sees her he instantly recognizes her as his childhood love Sophie (Jessica Biel). Unfortunately, Sophie is now engaged to power-hungry Prince Leopald (Rufus Sewell), but that doesn’t stop the two star-crossed lovers from consummating their love affair from where they left off. When the prince’s Chief Inspector (played by scene stealer Paul Giamatti) discovers their relationship and informs the prince, Leopald reacts violently, causing Eisenheim to lash out in vengeance by conjuring up sinister illusions.

The looming mystery throughout the film is whether Eisenheim’s illusions are merely a trick of the eye, or if Eisenham does indeed hold secret supernatural powers. This mystery is both the strength and weakness of the film, as it’s enjoyable to be brought back to a magical time (that many may have lost sense their childhood) where the realm of possibility is limitless, but in a time of 21st century special effects it’s a little to easy to scoff in disbelief at some of the illusions that look a little too slick and computer-generated for an early 20th century illusionist.

But the cast is just too wonderful to let that keep you from immersing yourself into this fanciful world.

Edward Norton commands the screen and brings a well-thought out sublimity to his character that is apparent under his steady gaze. Eisenheim is a mystifying character himself, and Norton brings a well perceived sense of mystery to the role with his squinty eyes and calculating expressions.

Paul Giamatti does an excellent job as Chief Inspector Uhl, providing comical lines and likeable character moments, while at other times displaying a sly amount of meneance, letting the audience and the characters know that there is a possible darker side underneath his light exterior.

Rounding out the well put together ensemble cast is Jessica Biel, who, after screaming her way through Texas Chainsaw Massacre, shows a well amount of range in her role as Sophie. Along with the rest of the cast she is definitely on par with the time period, accent wise and attitude, which makes the film so much more enjoyable and easy to engross yourself into.

The cinematography is superb, and cinematographer Dick Pope manages to capture perfectly the striking setting of 20th century Vienna. For an independent film it got a fine-sized budget, and that’s evident through the vivid scenery and vibrant sets.

Final Thoughts: A fantastic film that will appeal to those looking for a luscious romantic mystery.

Does anybody actually need to know what this film is about, other then that it's a kick-ass, campy thriller? Well, just for traditions sake, I’ll go ahead and give a brief summary before going into the review.

Sean Jones...
[+] Read Full Review

Does anybody actually need to know what this film is about, other then that it's a kick-ass, campy thriller? Well, just for traditions sake, I’ll go ahead and give a brief summary before going into the review.

Sean Jones (Nathan Phillips) is taking the red-eye from Hawaii to LA, under the protection of FBI Agent Neville Flynn (Samuel L. Jackson), to testify against crime kingpin Eddie Kim (Byron Lawson). To stop Sean from testifying, Eddie smuggles hundreds of poisonous snakes onto the aircraft. Surely hiring a hitman would save Eddie time and effort, so why must he gather up hundreds of snakes to kill Sean? Because, as he says, he has “exhausted every other option�. If that’s not a good enough reason for you then you’re watching the wrong film.

Frankly, no one really cares why the snakes are on the plane and the writers know that; the first twenty minutes of the film are merely a countdown until we get to see the first body part get bitten. Once the snakes are released all hell breaks loose. No part of the passengers bodies are safe, as these pheromone crazed creatures go after necks, arms, breasts, eye sockets and whatever else they can get their little venomous fangs on. To be clear: the film earns its R rating.

David R. Ellis, previously of Final Destination fame, does a great job at suspending the tension, and while there is never any genuine scares in the film, the snake attacks are still gory and shocking. The film never takes itself too seriously to have some fun, but it still takes itself just seriously enough to deliver the thrills.

Two words for Samuel L. Jackson’s performance in this film: bad ass. He does a great job with the role, and his acting, despite the film’s B-movie status, is just as great and realistic as any other movie he has done. His character gets some great dialogue (“Great, snakes on crack.�), and for once his customary yelling and shouting works for the character. The audience can tell that Mr. Jackson clearly is enjoying himself, and as a result we have fun as well.

Snakes on a Plane is an old-fashioned tribute to classic disaster films such as Airplane and Airport. Yes, it has plot holes, and yes, it has every cliché character that one associates with airplanes (the crying baby, the kids traveling alone, woman with yapping dog), but that’s the fun of it all. It’s not out to win an Oscar or to be a critical delight. It was made purely for people to have a fun time on a Friday night, screaming and laughing along the way.

Final Thoughts: I went into this film expecting a mediocre, Sci Fi channel reject, disaster film. Boy, am I glad I didn’t let keep me from getting dragged along to a screening; I had a great time. It’s truly a wonder that the writers were able to expand the weak (but never less entertaining) plot to fill the film’s ninety minutes, but amazingly the time flew by. It is hard to imagine that any film about snakes on a plane could’ve been any better. Tip: Go see this one in theaters; a packed Friday night crowd makes the experience even more enjoyable.

- Tim Bronx
Find this and many other reviews at: www.motionpicturereviews.com