The Book of Eli (2010)

In a post apocalyptic world, Eli(Denzel Washington) finds himself tasked by God to deliver His word. This is a gloomy, violent, fast paced, action sci-fi film with overtones of divinity. Elements of 'The Road', and 'Road Warrior' are evident. Hard to get into too much detail with this one, as much of the films appeal is in revelation. I doubt Denzel will get accolades over this one, which is a shame because it seemed to me this role was especial poignant for him. Hard not to be touched in some fashion by this one. Saul on the road to Jerusalem. Highly Recommended.

High Plains Invaders (2009)

A remote town in the old west is overrun by space bugs!! This moderately cheesy, modestly budgeted, made for TV video isn't bad at all! A fresh idea parlayed into a fairly entertaining watch. There are gaffs a plenty to be sure, the most obvious being the selection of handguns (is that a Colt Python?). Character development is limited to leave room for the critters. Acting and dialogue is fair across the board, with standard TV CGI-FX. This is sort of Tremors meets Gunsmoke but with no deliberate humor. I especially liked the bounty hunter(in pic, on right)even though it seemed like they couldn't decide just how tough and ruthless to let her be.

Cut (2010)

British horror film. A group of young folk staying at uncles house out in the country get set upon by a band of murderous sadistic hooligans. Is it just me, or does every horror movie maker guy have to cast the dumbest, most hysterical, group of blockhead characters? Every horror movie cliche makes it into this film. It was a relief when someone died so you wouldn't have to listen to their overly dramatic stupidity. Somebody got their knob polished to fund this one. Nothing redeeming here.

Case 39 (2009)

When a social worker rescues a child from seemingly crazy parents bent on killing their daughter, she soon finds out not all monsters have bolts in their necks. A psychological thriller, fairly straight forward, and a little creepy in places. I have a personal bias against Renée Zellweger, so having her as the lead made this a tougher watch that it would have been otherwise. Nothing complicated, the only real suprise is in finding out things aren't what they seem (this will make sense if you see the film), with a little bit of a cheat at the end (I guess the superhuman strength doesn't work when its wet). This is what I would call studio fodder, lukewarm and bland.

Defendor (2009)

The Forrest Gump of superheros, Defendor takes to the streets determined to take down Captain Industry. This is a semi-serious comedy that produces more smiles than laughs. Not as silly as Blankman(1994), but sharing some of the elements, Defendor churns out a fairly entertaining watch with a bit of a lesson and a bittersweet ending. Not a bad pick for light viewing with a group of friends who are going to make some noise.

Bubba Ho-tep (2002)

An excellent exercise in story telling. This is the movie that proves Elvis is still alive and battling the forces of darkness despite the growth on his pecker. One of B movie's finest hours, led by its prodigal son Bruce Campbell. Trapped in a remote retirement home with JFK as his trusty sidekick, Elvis must confront and defeat an evil soul sucking demon mummy from hell!!!!! Well no, actually he fell off a train... but still a soul sucking mummy!!! Funny and oddly soothing ride into the weird, this is a throwback to a time when movies were actually fun to make and it translates to the screen. Enjoy!

Iron Man 2 (2010)

As fun as the first, but getting a little more directed. Big play towards the upcoming Avengers movie, as well as touching bases with a couple long running story arcs from Marvel comic. We lose Terrence Howard in Favor of Don Cheadle as Lt Col. Rhodes. Warmachine is introduced and done very well, and the introduction of Black Widow is hard to go unnoticed. Has noticeably more weight than the first. This is Marvel movies dandelion, and the wind is set to blow.

V for Vendetta (2005)

*TOP 10 ALERT*
An Orwellian set-up in a near future England, V is the product of a vast and insidious conspiracy, and is on a one man crusade to make England free again. From the comic of the same name, this is a dialogue rich, thought provoking, fast moving film with just enough action to keep things interesting. Funny choice casting John Hurt as 'Big Brother' (see 1984). Much of the social commentary is dead on; the thoughtful viewer will recognize the universal truth in it while the shallow reactionary won't. Remember, its just a movie telling a story. Unfortunately its a story that needs to be told over and over. Recommended.

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

This isn't set up as a direct remake, rather a part 2. Alice is much older and remembers Wonderland only in dreams. Burton is kind of like a fat kid at a candy buffet with this movie, taking a bit of this and a bit of that and mixing it all together under 132 pounds of rainbow sprinkles. Colorful with a bit of British style stuffiness and a light glaze of humor, we follow Alice through the looking glass as it were, where she transforms from a willful sprat to the champion of good, and ultimately master of her own destiny. Nothing real heavy here, light fluffy story telling with a side of oddball.

The Wolfman (2010)

A throwback to the Lon Chaney style werewolf, it takes place in late 1800's/early 1900's England. Basically a remake of the original wolfman movie with modern FX, lots of gore, and a few plot tweaks. I liked how it started, kinda retro but cool.. but it flattened out and missed the mark. Difficult for me to put my finger on, sort of like when I tried Ostrich. The first bite was tasty, but the more I chewed the more the texture bothered me. Still, not a complete waste of time.. I like to see Del Toro on the screen so I hope they paid him well.

Dog Soldiers (2002)

A spec op squad out on a training exercise soon find themselves in a fight for their lives against a seemingly unstoppable foe. A few gaffs aside(piled corpses tend to stink), this is a very cool new world meets old shoot em up thriller. FX are fair to good with all the players in stride. Kind of a new spin on the werewolf persona.. from solitary beasts birthed of a curse, to packs being used as vampire slave labor.. these are more country style... family pack using guile and deception. Everything considered a pretty good watch and one I've enjoyed several times.

Edge of Darkness (2010)

A Boston police detective has his daughter murdered in front of him. His investigation leads him into a conspiracy far wider than he realizes until its too late. Fairly cookie cutter cop gone rogue/its personal story. Sort of Conspiracy Theory (1997) meets Magnum Force (1973) with more 'realistic' action and shadier villains. For a laugh, note the Massachusetts senator is a republican.

The Road (2009)

A bleak post apocalyptic movie about a man and his son surviving in whats left of the world. The scenery and wide shots show an incredibly bleak and grey world where survival is a real stuggle. This is not an action movie so much as a sci-fi drama, with the plot being very narrow and character specific. Aside from 'the son', who got annoying and grated on my nerves, all players do a good job in projecting a feeling of hopelessness and animalism. Not a flattering look at a future where there are no happy endings.