The King's Speech (2010)

At the beginning of World War II King George VI of Britain realized his worse fear.. public speaking! What I was sure was going to be a dry drama turned out to be quite a treat. This is a docudrama that begins in pre WWII England. Albert was never supposed to be King, but when his brother abdicated, the stuttering Duke of York was suddenly thrust onto the throne. Geoffrey Rush plays the man who would become his speech coach and lifelong friend. A heartwarming tale about friendship and overcoming fear and adversity. Hard to imagine anyone aside from the most extreme adrenaline junkie not enjoying this film. Call it bangers and mash with a lovely spotted dick to finish. Recommended.

Dead Space: Downfall (Video 2008) / Dead Space: Aftermath (Video 2011)

Animated. A strange alien monolith is found in deep space that causes madness and mayhem.. oh and weird zombies with many arms. The animation varies from good to fair. I imagine the interest in these two videos will be narrow at best. Lots of gore and violence. The story was nothing special although I did like how they wrapped up both videos, being the sick fatalist that I am. Fans of the game may like this, along with genre and animation junkies (I fall into that later category). I wouldn't have a problem with my younger children watching this but that would be a judgement call. Even though the story line runs concurrent, either will stand alone for solo viewing. A greasy taco.

The Tourist (2010)

An encounter with a mysterious woman on a train to Venice turns out to be more than Frank the math teacher from Wisconsin bargained for. This is a cutesy chick flick love story that uses the backdrop of Venice and a measure of espionage to create a very watchable film. Not to be a killjoy but I found there to be a lack of chemistry between the two lead players, with Jolie being very aloof and distant (I do find this a better look for her though, as opposed to the skank look) while Depp is whimsical and a bit stiff.. none of the heat from Chocolat (2000). But there are enough other elements to keep you from getting hung up on that. So nothing real heavy.. a little danger, a little intrigue, a little of this a little of that and you have this nice safe chick flick that won't have the guys squirming. Make this a rental or a matinee.

Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)

Just as annoying as the first one but relies on different tactics for the scares. The Spectre of the Blair Witch returns for this 'shot from video' style movie about haunting and possession. The jump and creepy factor is high, unfortunately so is the annoyance factor. Why these people never seem to own a flashlight is beyond me. The kind of movie that guys take gals to so they can cop a feel. To be fair this is a better movie than the first one, but I wasn't a real fan of either. Please.. movie powers that be... bury the Blair Witch, shes starting to stink.

Ultramarines: A Warhammer 40,000 Movie (2010)

Animated. An understrength squad of super bad ass shock troops are sent to investigate a distress call. From the Warhammer game and book series. Animation is up to par with what you will see on 2010 gaming systems. Dark and violent with an interesting premise I found this to be a fairly enjoyable viewing experience. I do wish movie makers would learn the basics of firearm mechanics, especially when they are going to do close-ups of the weapons in action and feature them so prominently. This is my pet peeve however, the typical viewer may not even notice. Be that what it may, if you are a fan there is no reason to believe this will disappoint. Those unfamiliar will be treated to a dark and violent hour and change worth of 'they didn't have cartoons like this when I was a kid' (of course they did, you just didn't know where to look) and a tasty battle chainsaw.. fairly mindless action and gore with a story.. Enjoy!

Vanishing on 7th Street (2010)

All but a handful of people vanish when the power goes out. This is a Motown mix of Dark City (1998), Phantoms (1998), and Genesis. A small group of people struggle to keep the advancing darkness, and the figures within the darkness, from snatching them leaving clothes and possessions behind. Throughout the movie various references are made so that when the movie ends you will understand the Genesis comparison. At first I had those wonderful goosepimplies running over my body but after about 30 minutes my attention started to wander a bit. A series of character flashbacks tend to break any build-up in the tension in addition to a 'I'm going to count to 3!' overtone that draws out into 'two and a half.... two and two thirds...' that really worked against an already thin storyline (I mean come on.. the generator is dying for 2/3rds of the movie). This may work for you if you don't watch many movies and want something mildly spooky that may stick with you for a little while.

I Spit on Your Grave: Unrated (2010)

A young writer rents a cabin in the sticks for some peace and quiet. She gets neither. This movie is a mix of Hostel: Part II (2007), Hard Candy (2005) and any number of hillbillies gone bad films. The set up is fairly standard horror movie fare with a group of assholes gang raping the lead. Now without giving anything away the story reaches a fork where it could go in one of two directions and I started to get goosebumps. Unfortunately that's not the path the movie follows but this doesn't make the direction it does take suck. A good vengeance style movie that will benefit from a lack of scrutiny, especially as it nears completion.

Exam (2009)

Eight candidates seek a position with a powerful and mysterious cooperation and are seated together in a room and given 80 minutes to answer a question that isn't asked.
A fairly engaging mystery drama that remains elusive right to the end. Bring your brain for this one, its not likely to help you figure anything out but you are less likely to get bored. Tension builds well and its not long before some of the characters are acting in a manner that is almost less than believable. I don't want to give anything away, but the ending is kind of like finding a pearl in an oyster.

The Hunter (2010)

A man returns home from hunting to find his wife and child have been killed in a police shootout crossfire. After finding no satisfaction from the police, he decides to kill a couple policemen at random. The language of this film is Persian, so I'm guessing it is supposed to take place in the Iran region, I had initially thought India. This is a easy but complex movie. What is in the mind of the lead player is never given to us, we are left to guess why he does the things he does. The quality of the film is good as are the players and there are enough plot twists to keep things unpredictable. There are too many other movies out there that are far more satisfying an experience to recommend this one, but if you are like me and seek the oddness in the world this may be for you.

Blades of Blood (2010)

A son who survives the political slaying of his family teams up with a blind swordsman as they seek vengeance. Pretty cool Korean period movie taking place during the Japanese invasions of the late 1500's. One of the Korean political parties, led by a charismatic and skillful swordsman, seeks to seize control of the government to repel the Japanese invaders. While much of the action is similar to Japanese and Chinese movies, there are subtle differences that I found interesting to note. Much of this film plays out as a drama with the action being fairly brief, brutal and widespread. Something a little different. Pickled cabbage and ginger with rice.

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003)

A blind man who is actually a master swordsman rids a village of the gang that terrorizes them. Zatôichi / Ichi (One) is a long running character in a series of Japanese TV and movie productions, sort of the Japanese version of Kung Fu (TV Series 1972–1975). While the actual plot line has been about beaten to death there is enough creative character twist (and subplot) as well as the cultural element that more than counter anything negative from that. The FX are a bit lacking, perhaps early CGI or edited in after, but the action is top notch and brutal. Fans of the Kung Fu series and the genre in general should find this highly enjoyable. Sushi from Kyoto in JAX.

Death to Smoochy (2002)

*TOP 10 ALERT*
Squeaky clean Sheldon Mopes finds out the hard way that children's programing is not about the children. This hilarious movie stars Ed Norton, Robin Williams and Danny DeVito to name a few. After a corruption sting catches Kidnet's top dollar star with his hand in the cookie jar, a struggling idealist is given his chance to make a difference.. and its like throwing a kitten to the sharks! The laughs come fast and often driven in large part by Robin Williams as Rainbow Randolph. Great dialogue, unique storyline, and awesome player chemistry make this one an absolute winner. Despite the subject matter, some of it is a little crude for younger children. Highly Recommended.

The Green Hornet (2011)

"With his faithful valet Kato, Britt Reid, daring young publisher, matches wits with the Underworld, risking his life so that criminals and racketeers within the law may feel its weight by the sting of the Green Hornet!"
A reboot chock full of cool effects and soft serve comedy. While the players all do respectable work and dialogue works well, the real star of this flick is the Black Beauty, a pimped out 1965 Chrysler, that serve not only as transportation but also the primary weapon of Kato and The Green Hornet. Lots of car chase scenes, explosions, gunfire, and property damage. Pretty standard Hollyweird action/comedy movie formula and it works well in this instance, producing a very 'safe' enjoyable viewing experience. I don't see it breaking any records but I can't imagine anyone will feel cheated at the end of this one. I was happy they left out a screaming damsel in distress and made it a boys night out. Would make a great opener for a double header. Green beer with Nachos.

The Big Bang (2011)

A private dick is hired to find an ex cons missing girlfriend. This is a fun movie! After a bit of a slow start the tempo begins to pick up speed and by halfway through my eyes were glued to the screen. Antonio Banderas once again flexes his on screen sex appeal and range as a very smooth player. Couple this with a few of the funniest movie lines ever, a psychedelic drive in the desert, Sam Elliot as an LSD consuming physicist, a love struck human mountain, and the end of the world as we know it and you have this movie and a very enjoyable ride into sublime storytelling. Okay its not so sublime, its outrageous! If you enjoyed Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) and The Way of the Gun (2000), there is no reason to think you won't enjoy this one. There is some seductive nudity and a pretty steamy sex scene, but nothing overdone for an R rated movie. Shrimp skewers and Tequila. Recommended.

The Company Men (2010)

Corporate downsizing is viewed through the eyes of three men who suddenly find themselves terminated. An entertaining drama and engaging if somewhat cliched story. Interesting in the aspect that the 3 men are from different levels in the company, the blue collar guy who started in the factory and worked his way up, the hotshot salesman who thinks his ass glows in the dark, and the aged co-founder who is undercut by a board of trustees. While some aspects of the story were hard to fathom (Affleck's character moving in with his parents), I think some liberties were taken to include some themes that might otherwise been harder to incorporate. I don't see this one winning awards but a solid line-up of journeyman players make it a worthwhile viewing experience. The moral of this story kids is invest in yourself because the guy on the ladder above of you doesn't care if he shits on you.

Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) (1998 director's cut)

In 1900 Victorian Australia several people vanish without a trace at Hanging Rock. Adapted from a popular mystery novel of the day. It was one of the first Aussie films to be distributed internationally and enjoying box office success. It was re released to both screen and DVD in 1998. I saw the director's cut, which surprisingly cuts 7 minutes from the original release. The cinematography is respectable as is the overall feel of of the film. For the first 20 minutes or so I was hopeful that I had found a hidden gem, but it was quickly dashed by B movie players and canned sound. Dialogue is wooden in places, and the sudden inexplicable group naps that occur, I guess as a way to measure time, doesn't jibe with the distances later covered rapidly. They try to suggest a supernatural element to the story on the back half (along with accompanying music and camera work) that was just too hard a sell. But if mid 70's made for TV style suits your fancy, here is a taste from down under. If nothing else its a bit of cinema history. Another ketchup and bologna sandwich on white bread.

Megamind (2010)

Dreamworks movie about two beings who fall from the stars, one becomes a hero and the other becomes the villain Megamind! I've watched this a few times and while far from bad it never really rises to a level better than just satisfactory. On the plus side animation is done well, old school heavy metal soundtrack, warm fuzzy 'and they lived happily ever after' Disney finish. No reason for the kids not to like this one, they still don't know who Will Ferrell and Tina Fey are.

Gunless (2010)

A notorious gunslinger finds himself in a quiet Canadian village whose inhabitants have no idea how to act around the infamous Montana Kid. An enjoyable western themed comedy, both well written and well played. It watches more like a long TV show than a movie with no harsh language (I think ass slips out a couple times), no nudity and very little in the way of bloodshed with no graphic violence. There are lots of smiles, some laughs and a warm fuzzy tacked on the end. Nice easy enjoyable entertainment.

RED (2010)

A retired CIA super spook is suddenly listed RED (Retired Extremely Dangerous) and a whole load of bad things are dumped in his lap. A whole lot of star power in this comic made movie, good dialogue, the one fight scene is excellent and the gun battles are both outrageous and funny. Most the reviews say this movie is lukewarm, neither good nor bad. I disagree.. its like saying you cant eat the same thing every night you will get bored with it, and that's true, but there are things you eat more often than others. Your mouth isn't watering and you aren't all excited but that doesn't mean its not good. So whether its spaghetti or chicken with rice and broccoli, you get to a point where you just expect it to be good, and that sums this movie up pretty well. No way you are bored, don't smile or laugh, and there is no way you will think it was a waste of your time. This movie showcases a great deal of film talent that is now in their golden years. Mighty shoes for upcoming players to fill indeed. Recommended.

Millennium Trilogy (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)/The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009)/The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (2009) )

A rebellious counter culture hacker finds herself suddenly at the center of international espionage. This is one story told over three movies so you should really see them all. This is top notch story telling and all the mechanics are excellent. The version I seen was subbed, I don't know if you can get them dubbed but my sense is you should be able to. Now these are European films so be aware that their sensibilities towards sex and nudity is a lot more liberal than here in the States.. there isn't a huge amount, nor is it pornographic. Now as for the actual watching you will want to pay fairly close attention, there are a number of subtleties and they happen quickly. It is however hard to get lost in the broad strokes so you don't have to watch it alone behind a locked door. Center of your seat tension. Serves up like Ham and Eggs with black coffee in a winter cabin. Recommended.
PS. I have learned the author of the books this movie is based on is dead and he wrote this story as a kind of penance for witnessing the gang rape of a teenage girl in his youth and his failure to act on the victims behalf.

Grace (2009)

Her baby is born dead.. oh no... wait its alive. A recovering lesbian and current vegan/hippie wannabe has lost her husband in the crash of their hybrid and now has a baby with a taste for blood. For everyone who gets the heebie jeebies around babies, this is why. Even at 85 minutes this story is stretched pretty thin.. I guess I could put on airs and wax poetic about the rigors and doldrums of single motherhood with a newborn but this isn't the Sally Jesse Raphael Show. There are essentially 7 characters excluding zombie baby and the only one who gets her chops is the bitch mother in law who is a judge.. Good character development? Nah.. Powerful player portrayal? Getting warmer.. A cliche for everything that is easy to despise? Ding-Ding! We have a winner! And geez did you have to show us the old shrew's boob? Gak! So if you are looking for ladies night new age style, thats thin with a bloody twist and some gag power, this one is for you. For the rest of us once is enough but thanks for the nightmares.

Reign of Assassins (2010)

A notorious assassin seeks to escape her past and enjoy the quiet life. Another great title out of the Orient starring the talented Michelle Yeoh Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) who's poise and beauty strike fire to any scene. Of course you've guessed her bid to enjoy the quiet life takes a big shot in the groin and its not long before its hard to tell who the good guys are. This is more a straight forward action/drama in the new kung-fu style that is so much fun to watch. If you are a fan of this genre this is a must see. While not the same caliber as Fearless (2006) story wise, its every bit as enjoyable a watch.

The Fighter (2010)

A docudrama about the boxer Micky Ward. Being a boxing fan, I have nothing but respect for Micky Ward and rate the Gatti-Ward trilogy of bouts among the best ever. Now as for the movie itself- it was 'too real' and I found it to be mostly depressing. That aside, the mechanics of the movie were good except for the actual boxing scenes.. there were some spots where it 'looks' fake. I would imagine the actual family of Micky Ward is less than thrilled with their portrayal, especially the females. The movie timeline ends just prior to the first of the Gatti matches. One thing was made very clear however, and that was the loyalty and love of the two brothers. I hope the royalties will make this worth the grief I'm sure it will cause.

True Grit (2010)

An aging drunken marshal is hired to bring a murderer to justice. Another good western done in the 'new style' where there are no quick draws and clean kills are few and far between. This is a rehash of a John Wayne classic True Grit (1969) and while I don't think older John Wayne fans will like this movie (its a little bloodier and more graphic than the original), younger western movie fans will have much to appreciate. The basic plot and storyline is the same and some of the more memorable dialogue stays in place, especially in the final showdown.
If you have enjoyed the direction western movies have taken over the last decade or so there is no reason to believe you won't enjoy this one as well. Bacon and cornbread cowboy style!