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

Bolt

A movie star dog has no idea that the show isn't real. He truly believes that his "person" is in danger, and he has super powers. This dog escapes and get shipped to New York. Meeting a cat, who is considered a mortal enemy, and a hampster who is a huge fan, this trio make their way back to Hollywood. I thought it was kind of cheesey, but cute. Children will love it.

Thumbs HALFWAY.

-Megan

Miss Congeniality

Miss Congeniality is a great movie. Basically any girl will enjoy this. A boy? Probably not, except for the cop scenes. Agent Hart goes undercover at a beauty pageant as Miss New Jersey. The movie shows this "Tom boy" turn into pretty much a fashion model. I personally love this movie and watch it every time it comes on TV. Sandra Bullock is as, always amazing. Please note that Miss Congeniality 2 is not as good as the first one. Although I guess it is entertaining.

Thumbs up.

-Megan

Happy Feet

An animated film about a "messed" up penguin who instead of singing, dances passionately. Mumble, and his friend Gloria have known each other since they were baby penguins. However, the elders of their penguin-colt-thing do not approve of this habbit at all. They blame Mumble for the loss of their fish, and they exile him. mumble journeys to exotic lands, meetes new penguins, and get abducted by "aliens", which are actually humans. While in what seems like a zoo, the humans discover Mumble's capabilty of dance, and send him back to his land.

This film truely has hidden meaning. After the word is released about the penguins and their fish, a heartbreaking montage is shown of a process in government debating the matter of the penguin's food supply. However, since this is a children's movie, it ends happily. Thumbs up.

Rated PG

-Megan

Kate and Leopold

When a 19th century man, Leopold (Hugh Jackman), goes forward in time, and meets a 21st century business woman (Meg Ryan). She thinks he is an actor, and he can't comprehend women in pants. However, they learn to love each other and the times they were each born in.

Although the plot was a clever idea and has a great male lead, this movie falls flat. I was bored watching it and was constantly annoyed by Kate (Ryan). I don't particularly enjoy Meg Ryan's performances to begin with, and Kate was whiney and stereotypical. Hugh Jackman was a disappointment, although I think he couldn't do anything else with the script, as he was wide eyed and clueless for most of the movie.

This is the movie equivalent of a beach book; not very good, but it doesn't take any effort to watch it.

Rated PG-13

2 stars out of 5

-Maddy

Up

This movie is Disney Pixar, which means that it is amazing. Anything Pixar touches turns to gold.

The story of an old man who wants to finally go to South America, following his and his wife's dreams, and the Wilderness Explorer (or Boy Scout), Russell, who gets caught up in the adventure of a floating house. They get some new friends, including a talking dog and a prehistoric bird.

This film is such a fun experience, and has a ridiculous amount of amazing features. Primarily, the story. The story is one of the deepest Pixar has pumped out, as it deals with aging, loss, family issues, remorse, redemption, friendship.... Need I go on? There are many quotable lines, especially from Dug, the talking dog. Let's shift gears here. The animals were brilliant! The talking dogs said exactly what you would expect a dog to say. I have a lab-retriever mix, and Dug is a golden retriever, and he was spot on! I was constantly reminded of my puppy. My veterinarian dad mentioned that Kevin, the giant bird, really moved and acted how scientists imagine prehistoric birds to move and act.

As I type this, I'm actually watching the director's commentary on the Up DVD (which has great features- I highly recommend it). The makers of this movie put so much thought and detail into the making of it; it's amazing.

I recommend this movie to anyone, from the youngest child to the high school jock to the prune juice drinking old man.

5 stars out of 5

Rated PG

-Maddy

Hitch

Love is a complicated thing, and some men just don't get it. That's where Hitch (Will Smith) comes in. He is a love coach, the "date doctor." Hitch understands women, but he is up against the two greatest challenges of his career. An overweight and slightly dorky accountant (Kevin James) has hired Hitch to hook him up with a famous heiress. However, Hitch may be living too much of his own advice and be falling in love with a beautiful, yet realistic, gossip columnist (Eva Mendes). In the end, he might not know as much about women as he thought he did.

Honestly, this is one of my favorite chick flicks. All of the characters seem real, and of course Will Smith puts forward a great performance. Even my dad enjoyed it! It has a great message: stay true to yourself, and you might just find happiness. This is the type of movie you can watch over and over again; trust me, I have it on my iPod. This movie will make you laugh, as well. A fun movie overall for most occasions, I recommend it!

4 stars out of 5

Rated PG-13

-Maddy

Finding Neverland

Finding Neverland is the story of Sir James Barrie (Johnny Depp), the genuis who wrote the original Peter Pan, and how he was inspired to write the play. However, the story isn't all Peter Pan all the time. It is a heart-warming and truly touching tale about a widow (Kate Winslet), her four children (including Freddie Highmore in his first mainstream role), and how a man who is a child inside can help a fatherless family. Full of imagination and enchantment, this is not just a movie; it is based off a true story (key word "based": there are historical inaccuracies). It recieved six Academy Award nominations and won for best original score.


This is my all-time favorite movie, hands down. It is a charming story with great writing, gorgeous cinematography, and fabulous acting. Johnny Depp should have the Oscar (he was nominated), and Kate Winslet should have been nominated. There is great chemistry between the cast, and their performances may even make you cry. It is a movie for the whole family, unless someone is like my mom and can't stand movies with sad parts. Kids will love the ridiculous tales Barrie dreams up, starring his dog, and adults will love the real world difficulties and uplifting theme. However, it may be emotionally difficult for young children. I truly could go on and on about all the great aspects of this movie, but I will spare you.

5 stars out of 5
Rated PG
-Maddy

Valentine's Day

Love. A complicated mess. This movies (which some could consider a complicated mess) follows countless couples as they navigate Single Awareness Day... Excuse me, I meant Valentine's Day. With an all-star cast, you would think that there can be no wrongs.

The cast plays a group of Angelenos learning how to love, how to recover from misgiven love, and how to keep on loving. You would be surprised at how well the plot lines interweave with each other, and it is also surprising that a chick flick, which is probably the most predictable movie genre of them all, has some unexpected twists.

Although it is a cute and fun movie, it is only worthy of a night with the girls (which is how I saw it). It is one of the better chick flicks of late, as more sensitive guys will enjoy it if dragged out for a date night. However, if you are going to see your favorite actor/actress/hottie (Taylor Lautner fans pay attention), don't. There are so many characters and stories that demand attention, no one has a significant amount of screen time. The only characters you really get attached to are Ashton Kutcher's character and the cutest little boy you have seen in a romantic comedy since Sleepless in Seattle.

This movie does have some mature themes (barely 18 year olds learning the importance of waiting to sleep together), so don't take the younguns. And be prepared to wonder at Anne Hathaway's performance- this is one of the weirdest roles of her career. However, I marveled at her accent skills during the movie.

So, a GREAT rental for a girls' night in, but other than that, not worth much.

3 stars out of 5

Rated PG-13

-Maddy

Fantastic Mr.Fox

Fantastic Mr.Fox is about a family of foxes who have a cousin come to live with them until his father recovers from a grave illness. Meanwhile, Mr.Fox, an ex-bird stealer, gets wound up in a sticky situation with some local farmers. Because of the cousin's superb physical skills, he gets drawn into the fight while the son constantly tries to live up to his father's legacy.

Fantastic Mr.Fox is a movie that is a great example for children of all ages. It shows that although taking risks can be exciting, they bring along with them consequences that can only be sorted through extraordinary measures, until eventually everything falls apart. This movie also shows the importance of family and friends through an exciting and humorous story. The animals, although act human, eat like savages as any person would expect an animal to do. The characters add to the joy and charm of this movie, which is definitely worth taking time to view. Overall this movie deserves a thumbs up.

Rated PG

-Megan