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