Inception

The movie Inception was praised as one of the best movies of the year. However, I do not feel that way. I think this movie was too complicated for its length. The producers crammed too much information into its plot. This makes the film very hard to follow. Some claim that the ending pieces the whole movie together. But really it leaves you with a question. What are the dreams and what is real? Unfortunately this puzzling concept does not cover up all of its other confusing factors. The beginning makes no sense when you are viewing it. I must admit that later on in the movie it was explained to me but I was still confused. The concept of performing "Inception" is difficult to grasp. It takes a while to think about exactly WHAT it is. I know it may seem that I am rambling, but I just don't have the patience to piece this together right now. I guess I can say that I enjoyed watching the actors on screen. Each did a fantastic job playing their roles. I can say that this movie is really enjoyable to watch in large groups. But I do not think it worth seeing on your own.

Rated PG-13

Thumbs were cut off.

-Megan

Chicken Little

This is the classic story of one little chicken who thought the sky was falling, but with a twist. What if Chicken Little not only was hit by a piece of the sky, but it wasn't just a piece of the sky? What if it was a piece of an alien space ship, and then the alien parents left their kid behind accidentally? Well, this is what happens, and Chicken Little, and his gang of outcast friends, are the only ones who can return the kid to his parents, even when there is a full-blown alien invasion looked for the adorable fuzzball.

This movie is a quality family film. Kids will love the town of talking animals, along with the aliens who look like Furbies mated with Trolls. Parents will enjoy it as well. I still love watching this movie, and I've seen it tons of times. Highly recommended.

Rated PG

4 stars out of 5

-Maddy

I, Robot

In a world in the near-future, robots are common. These robots protect humans, serve us, and are completely devoted. Nothing could go wrong, and everyone knows that. Except for Detective Spooner (Will Smith). Spooner doesn't believe that robots are as nice or benign as the media would believe, and he is determined to prove it when the top robot designer and inventor "commits suicide" in the company of Sonny, the only robot with seemingly human intelligence. Sonny can even dream. With a shipment of a new model coming out into the public, Spooner does everything he can to prove he's right about the murderous robot.

I'm going to come out and say it: I love this movie. It is a typical action movie in some respects, but in others, it shows creativity. Smith plays the strong, handsome rebel desperate to prove what he knows is right. Sonny is the villian who is just plain misunderstood, or cunning and evil. There isn't the typical blonde bombshell in this film, but rather a plain but brilliant doctor, Calvin, played by Bridget Moynahan, which is very refreshing. Once the movie is over, the viewer will realize how unique it is. However, don't be tricked. There is no mention of Apple products in this movie.

Rated PG-13

4 stars out of 5

-Maddy

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time

Based on a popular video game, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time is about, well, a prince of Persia named Dastan. However, this is no ordinary prince. He was adopted by the king when he was just a young street urchin. When Dastan and his brothers invade a holy city, they find an unearthly power, guarded by a beautiful princess. He must flee with a dagger that holds sand in the handle, and when the sand is released, time is turned back. The princess, Tamina, needs the dagger back to prevent a horrible apocalypse that would be caused by the one Dastan least suspects.

This movie was what you would have expected. The dashing, courageous prince (who wasn't Persian), the wise, beautiful princess, and the treacherous uncle make the perfect action movie. At times, it reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean, and sometimes of Aladdin. Disney movies, eh? However, for all its flaws, this movie is, in one word, awesome. The effects are gorgeous, and the fight scenes amazing. I especially enjoyed watched Dastan as a Persian ninja. The story was actually pretty unique, even though it uses the typical action movie formula. I would recommend it, although kids definitely shouldn't see it. There were parts that I was cringing in my seat because of the gore.

Rated PG-13

4 stars out of 5

-Maddy

It's Complicated

This movie is about a divorced couple who start to see each other again. The husband, Jake (Alec Baldwin), is re-married to a younger woman , but him and his first wife, Jane (Meryl Streep), have an affair. Meanwhile, their son graduates college, and their daughter is getting married. Apart from the affair, Jane finds interest in her new architect (Steve Martin). The only person who knows of the affair is their soon-to-be son in law, who caught them in the act of getting a hotel room.

It's Complicated explains itself in the name. It's certainly complicated, interesting, attention-catching, and drop dead funny. I give this movie a thumbs up. Take note that this movie is rated R, and is DEFINITELY not for young children. I even had to watch this with my mom. But, this movie will have you on the floor gasping for breath. I liked it.

Rated PG-13

Thumbs UP

-Megan

Date Night

One overworked and tired couple from the 'burbs goes into the Big Apple for a simple dinner. A chance to get out of the house, away from the kids, and do something different. However, it all goes horribly wrong when they take the reservation of the Triplehorns, who are mixed up in some pretty nasty stuff. The couple must evade guns, sneak away from corrupted cops, and even drive an Audi.

This is the comedy of the season, especially for people like me who don't like raunchy, uncomfortable comedies but rather the outrageously implausible antics of idiotic ordinary people (like Carell's character on The Office and Fey's character on 30 Rock). A lot of the scenes were improvised, and the viewer can tell that Carell and Fey had almost too much fun filming this. However, there are tender moments about marriage that make even people who have no idea what it's like to be married say "Awww."

Rated PG-13

3-1/3 stars out of 5

-Maddy

How To Train Your Dragon

This is the timeless story of one person going against everything they ever knew for something they know is right and can help their loved ones. All Hiccup, the son of the leader of the Viking village, wants is to kill a dragon to make his father proud of him. Hiccup isn't like the other teenagers. He isn't brawny, he' s clever, and he's a complete klutz. So when he finds the dragon that has been alluding the hunters of his village, Hiccup thinks that this is finally his chance to prove himself. He ends up befriending and training the dragon, but his village can't find out.

This movie was refreshing and a pleasure to watch. The story was remarkably fresh, and I want to read the book now! Hiccup is endearing, and watching him grow is one of the best parts. The dragon reminded me of my black, green-eyed cat, especially in his mannerisms, which only added to my joy. My only complaint is the Scottish accent of the Vikings. They were Scandinavian, but I think that's my historical nitpicking coming out.

This movie may be emotionally tough for younger kids. I would say four or five years should be fine, and they will love it! All adults will love it, unless you hate fun.

Rated PG

5 stars

-Maddy

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump starts with a flashback story about a boy with polio. He was never supposed to be able to use his legs. But because of bullies, he brakes out of his leg braces and is able to run. His only friend, Jenny, remains with him throughout the story. As Forrest goes into the military, Jenny becomes a hippie. This long movie continues as Forrest tells it to random people at a bus stop.

The way the producers seemed to crop Tom Hanks into historical events is incredible and enjoyable. This movie is funny and sad at the same time. I give this movie a thumbs up.

Rated PG-13