Safe Haven (2013)

Chick flick romance with a supernatural twist.  I will admit I wasn't looking forward to seeing this but now I'm glad I did.  Another nothing really new but well presented with a good production value.  Dialogue is natural for the most part, a couple of things bugged me (they could have pulled back on the melodrama in a couple places and these rude disrespectful movie kids are really bugging me).  Nice sweet love story with a hitch (took me by surprise) and a warm fuzzy on the end. Well worth your time and as far as chick flicks go shouldn't make your man freak out (cause there is some man style stuff too..lol).  Recommended.

Odd Thomas (2013)

A guy who can see the dead takes it upon himself to be the unsung hero of town.  This was a fun if not entirely unpredictable ride.  Done in the popular and effective narration style our hero, working with the police chief, have to stop a massive calamity about to demolish their close knit community.  I really enjoyed this one, it was fun, unpretentious, and though not really fresh was very well presented.  The bitter sweet ending will bring a tear to the eye of salty old softies. Recommended.

Compulsion (2013)

A wannabe and a hasbeen collide in this weird meandering drama with some thriller sprinkled on top.  This is a strange little movie made by someone whose 3 favorite movies are Fried Green Tomatoes, Mulholland Drive, and The War of the Roses; doesn't seem to really go anywhere, just sorts of meanders around and only hints at the big reveal (in FGT they left no doubt).  Production value is good and Heather Graham does a respectable crazy mannequin bit.  Maybe make it a Redbox night if nothing else is standing out.  A couple memorable moments but thats about all you get with this one.

The Purge (2013)

In the 'new' United States all problems are solved by a single annual night of lawlessness. Cliche's, dysfunctional characters, and lack of imagination abound in this less than thrilling 'thriller'.  I had no plans to see this one thinking (rightly) it would be too much like Panic Room (which I didn't care for).  But the opportunity came up so I had a look. So as the movie starts I'm thinking that I had it pegged all wrong and it was going to be a thoughtful and interesting movie.  Sadly I was incorrect with that as well.  Personally I'm getting tired of this portrayal of families as a bunch of strangers who just dwell under the same roof.  NOTHING in this movie would have happened (except perhaps the rather weak mob scene at the end) had it not been for the 2 kids that represent what exactly? A generation who can't manage to stay focused for a single night if their lives are on the line?  Too much of this movie made no sense and none of the characters represented anything more than placeholders for the next gimmick.  Movies like this make me feel cheated out of the price of admission.

Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

6th offering in the Fast and Furious franchise.  More of the same that made the first 5 but with a shot of NOS to the crazy meter.  Saying this movie is off the hook doesn't even come close to expressing the amount of insanity in this one.  I don't know if they are doing live stunts these days but wow! and damn!  If you are a fan of the other 5 you NEED to see this one.  For those of you who haven't seen any of the previous offerings this is guy dream T sickle concentrate in a bottle... skin, fast cars, guns and lots of destruction.  Hard to imagine how they will top this one.  My one complaint is they crash the Superbird (I almost cried). Highly recommended.

Man of Steel (2013)

The latest incarnation of Superman.  After a rather slow and tedious start with the end of Krypton and the launching of baby Kal El in his pod, things shift into high gear and we jump straight to adulthood. Thankfully his childhood is kept to flashbacks and rememberings. Lots to like with this one.. the Super is super hunky for starters, plenty of action, and some soft fill for his background on Earth.  There are considerable changes made to the 'standard' origins and such but for casual and younger viewers it won't make any difference.  I do like how Zod was imagined (after the scenes on Krypton) and the tec stuff was cool.  The door is left wide open for a sequel and given the numbers at box-office I can't imagine there won't be.  Overall I will have to say I was pleased but its best that you don't take your whole brain with you and start asking questions. Spicy sauce. Recommended.

Phantom (2013)

A based on 'true' events accounting of a soviet submarine during the cold war and a plot to change the world.  Pretty much like every sub movie to date with a 6th Sense ending. Nothing really special about this one, all players and FX are respectable, reasonably entertaining. I wouldn't spend the coin to see this on the big screen but red box might be a good pick.

No One Lives (2012)

A group of small time thugs pick the wrong mark and get far more than they bargained for.  From the director of Midnight Meat Train comes this tasty little number.  Think along the lines of Rambo as a serial killer.  Typical slasher fare aside from the twist with some deliciously disgusting scenes and deaths.  Don't go into this expecting award winning drama, or complex anything, its straight up meat and potatoes fun and mayhem.  Personally I enjoyed the hell of of this one. FX are very respectable with a rather unique ending.  Very entertaining if you are a fan of the genre.  

Bullet to the Head (2012)

Stallone rides out in the role of a hitman with honor.  Not stellar but entertaining.. lots of man style action.  I continue to be impressed with Jason Mamoa's weapon handling skills along with a grace that is hard to fake, especially for big men.  The axe fight is glorious to behold if a little hokey (sorry I don't care how tough you are, a butt stroke to the face will leave a mark).  But if you take it as served its a nice neat entertaining movie with plenty of bad ass.  Not a bad selection if you want something quick and easy.

Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

Second installment in the re-imagined adventures of Kirk and crew.  They pulled out Khan.  I come away from this one with an overall positive impression.  There were a couple instances of 'aw come on!' but mostly it was seat gripping action driven by the continuing stellar character portrayals.  They really hit the Khan character out of the park and the fight scene with Spock is worth the price of admission on its own.  If this is your first run with the Star Trek franchise then none of the stuff that bothered me is likely to bother you (saved by a tribble? Oo), and I think 'bother' may be too strong a word but there was definitely a tick; I don't know how the purists will deal with the sacrilege.  FX are outstanding but I think that goes without saying.  The first look at the Klingons was very interesting. I have to say I'm excited to see where they take the franchise next. Recommended.

Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)

A high octane retelling of the classic fable Jack and the Beanstalk.  I have to say I found this movie very entertaining.  While it does have various shortcomings (mostly the CGI), the whimsical nature of the movie cast things more like a live action cartoon than a movie with cartoonish characters.  The villain is dastardly and delightfully wicked.  The princess brave and fair.  The king surprisingly human while putting the realm before his own daughter.  Then you have Jack, the every-man's hero who can seem to get nothing right if there isn't some cataclysmic event he needs to foil.  A very pleasant family friendly viewing experience with a well deserved warm fuzzy tacked on the end.  Intelligent retelling with a solid delivery.  Cheerfully Recommended.