V/H/S (2012)

Using the premise of some thieves ripping off VHS cassettes from the house of a dead man, several stories are told. I am not a big fan of 'lost footage' movies.. I understand why people make them, but for me the production value tends to be crappier than I want to subject myself to and the players play to the camera far too much for me to enjoy (the endless screaming 'wtf was that!' referring to something you never get to see and the endlessly out of focus and rapid sweeps just make my brain scream for mercy). While this has all those faults in varying degrees, the fact that its several shorter stories with different casts and camera dynamics helped me get through this one with a more positive overall impression. Things move fairly slow however, so you really only need to see about 5 or 6 minutes of each segment to get the gist of whats going on. Another one for the late late late night cable viewer.

A Little Bit Zombie (2012)

After being chomped by a zombie blood engorged mosquito, groom to be Steve finds himself craving brains!  This is a rather light hearted offering chock full of spoofs, humorous flash scenes, double entendre, sexual innuendo, sight gags, and homage to other popular comedy classics (even Ash gets a nod). One of the highlights is a trip to the local butcher to buy brains! Throw in a couple zombie hunters and a comic book style delivery and you have this movie. Not exactly laugh out loud funny it does have its moments. A Heavy Metal soundtrack and tactical bacon round things out. Something a little different to massage the old funny bone.

Beautiful Creatures (2013)

Her family name makes her the pariah in a small religious country town, who have little idea how right their gossip is. Think Twilight but with witches instead of vampires. The supporting characters are colorful and there is a bevy of cool FX to appreciate. The female lead is still a Lego however, while the southern drawl of the male lead is forgotten here and there. I imagine this will appeal to a younger teen crowd (overly idealized notions of love, etc.), but over all its family friendly.  The southern lifestyle is heavily stereotyped so you may find something to laugh at along the way.

A Resurrection (2013)

The overly medicated weird kid of the school starts telling of the return of his dead brother from the grave, complete with pictures!  I wasn't expecting much going into this one but it delivered a bit better than I was expecting. Kind of a smart medium budget thriller without too much in the way of annoying useless characters or unnecessary and excessive screaming or the ever pitiful sobbing 'what are we going to do'.  The story line itself is nothing new, the time honored curse from beyond the grave thing, but well played. Nothing says Santeria quite like an old lady smoking a cigar the size hoagie.  While its not going to win any awards it may be worth a viewing when it shows up on cable. Its not scary so much as a scary story. One of the last roles of the esteemed Michael Clarke Duncan.

Territories (2010)

A group of Americans coming over the border from Canada are abducted by a couple nut-jobs convinced they are terrorists. This vision by virgin director Olivier Abbou is a French funded English language film shot in Canada. This is a new twist on the hillbilly horror story in that it in infused with leftist political propaganda aimed at American POW policy vis-a-vis Gitmo (Guantanamo Bay Naval Base). The movie itself isn't bad for what it is but they beat on the America is a bunch of hillbilly racist xenophobes drum enough that it stains what would otherwise be a fairly decent inbred backwoods thriller.

Piggy (2012)

When a meek fellow's brother is murdered by a gang of hoodlums he is taken under the wing of 'Piggy' who claims to be an old friend.  This is a fairly standard UK revenge movie with a little twist on the end for good measure.  Please completely disregard any review you see that compares this to A Clockwork Orange, this movie couldn't carry a single one of their ample jocks. So you have a revenge story line, some murders and violence, and a scared young wanker becoming a killer... that about sums it up. I wouldn't go looking for this unless you are a connoisseur of the UK hoodlum genre.

The Master (2012)

An unfocused drifter becomes a close associate of a man with too much focus via a shared love of bathtub hooch. This one is pure thick drama. Entirely character driven it seeks to explore the machinations of two men who seem at face value to be polar opposites but share more traits than either would like to admit. Philip Seymour Hoffman is the leader/founder of a new way of viewing mankind and social interaction (being compared by some as Scientology.. while I also got that impression they never call it that and I don't know enough about it to make a ruling). Basically the movie goes from a moderate calm introspection scene to one of conflict (mostly screaming) and then back again, and this cycle continues pretty much the whole movie. While I was intrigued enough to watch to see where the story would eventually lead I was a little miffed at the rather inconclusive conclusion. For me it was excessive wrapping on a peanut and overall came across more like a psychology lecture than entertainment.

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

The story of how the wizard came to Oz. Sam Rami serves up an offering that is in many ways comparable to Tim Burton's offering of Alice in Wonderland, while not quite as visual or loud, it has the same overall feel while being a little more clever. I actually thought it was Burton initially but the appearance of Bruce Campbell sent that notion to its grave. The film itself is standard Disney. A solid production value with good FX, moving story line, good tempo, and yet another top shelf villain with the origin of the Wicked Witch (a role Mila Kunis clearly reveled in), seriously scary flying baboons and a warm fuzzy tacked on the end.  So a little history on a great classic along with the knowledge that all the crap that gets sucked up in Kansas apparently wind up in Oz.

Shadow People (2012)

A radio host stumbles into evidence that people are being killed in their sleep by 'shadow people'.  This is one of those movies presented as 'based on actual events' although which events are anybodies guess. Using a combo of 'actual' footage, found footage, and traditional camera work the movie sets up a nice creepy foundation about a third of the way into the movie. Anyone who is familiar with the term 'ugger mugger' will be experiencing a nice layer of goose pimples by this point aided by some pretty cool set-ups. Unfortunately the movie fails to follow through, in part bogged down by a heinous cunt of an ex wife, but largely by going off into a quasi mental placebo direction after all the rather slow build-up. So was it a total waste of time? No, I have sat through much worse, though I was a bit disappointed.  This may make a good Redbox pick if you have seen everything else and you want something that will warm you up then pull out and go home without a word.

Brazil (1985)

*TOP 10 ALERT*
In a world overrun by bureaucracy, a clerical error spells the ruin of a man slowly falling into madness. I have made so many references to this movie I thought I should go ahead and add a review for it. First off this isn't going to appeal to everybody, if you were confused by Pulp Fiction this one will blow your head apart. Think of this as 1984 done by Monty Python. Dry British style humor is often juxtaposed suddenly to the absurd against a backdrop of mind numbing bureaucratic red tape and police state overreaction. Things continue to unravel and the line between real and fantasy more and more imperceptible until... well, you will just have to watch the movie for that. Surprise cameo included.                        Highly Recommended.   

Cold Fish (2010)

A local business man finds an unlikely benefactor to help him with his troubled family. This is a weird little twisty that does a good job of dropping clues that all is not what it seems right up to the point they drop the hammer, then things really get twisted. I don't want to give too much away so when they drop the bomb it will hit you the same way it hit me. I don't know what I was expecting when I viewed this but it wasn't anything like what happened. Kind of a cross between a more intelligent version of Ichi the Killer and a less brutal version of I Saw the Devil, although it bares little resemblance to either.  This also may explain why nishikigoi are so fat and friendly. 

Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006)

When a corporate fast food chain builds a restaurant on an old Indian burial ground in Tromaville you just know it doesn't bode well. After seeing Fathers Day I have been keeping my eye out for more from the boys at Troma. The best way to describe their style from what I've seen so far is a mix of early Peter Jackson (Dead Alive, Bad Taste) and the wit and satire of  Trey Parker and Matt Stone (South Park). This is a musical of sorts that beats the stereotype style of humor with a sledge hammer. There is nothing subtle in this movie with a triple helping of anything they can make gratuitous. Nudity, violence, gore, vulgarity, vileness  and just plain nasty are all found in great supply. This is not the kind of movie you want to see if you want refinement or anything you can talk about in public. While not on par with Fathers Day this was a sick ass laugh fest that left no sacred cow unsodomized. Seriously if people catch you watching this it might cost you some 'friends'.

Love Bite (2012)

A group of young blokes trying to get laid have no idea they are being hunted by something hairier than they would care for.  A little treat from the UK this fairly juvenile comedy has plenty of gags, nearly all of them about sex or parts involved in it, and flashes of young flesh. This is sort of a Porky's meets Once Bitten, but werewolves instead of vampires. If you remember Once Bitten it was the fact Jim Carrey's character was a virgin that propelled the story, same thing here. Critter FX are better than adequate and they throw a very memorable surprise ending on it that leaves the possibility of a sequel wide open. If you are used to UK offerings you will find this well within the comfort zone, if you aren't you will get a moderately funny T&A grabfest with a big hairy monster in it.

Sinister (2012)

An author moves into the house of a murder victim to write about the crime but soon uncovers more than he bargained for. Like many of these movies the set-up is creepier than the finale', and this one is no different, but it does have a nice, though not unexpected, twist on the end. Fairly chilling (the way I like it) with a couple 'gotcha's thrown in to make you jump. Overall the movie is a fairly effective horror with a lack of dumb ass to ruin things (a nice change). Once you get to a certain point however the way the movie will end becomes clear, the only thing that stays up in the air until the very end is how its going to happen. Overall a delicious spook, one that should do a fair job of scaring a turd out of you especially if you are a casual movie goer.

Identity Thief (2013)

After having his identity stolen an upwardly mobile white collar financier has to hobnob with the little people to get it back.  I guess I am just going to have to accept that this kind of movie is the future of comedy. Sure it has some funny parts, mostly physical bits, but by and large its a lukewarm feel good offering. Jason Bateman plays 'the sucker' (aka Sandy Patterson) which is really just a reprise of his character from Hancock (2008). I don't know how long he will be able to ride the success of Office Space but its not going to happen with movies like this one. What you get is a 'good guy wins in the end' with a 'I'm okay, you're okay' fuzzy finish. This is a nice, safe, non-challenging, not very memorable movie that you will watch, like well enough, then forget about by tomorrow. Its kind of like brown bagging a tuna sandwich, by the time you eat it its soggy but better than going hungry.

Savages (2012)

A Mod Squad trio (sorry Link, no token brothers this time) share everything.. life, each other, and their booming marijuana operation. Life is beautiful... until one day el crappo hits the fan in a big way.  I'm a long time fan of Benicio Del Toro and have enjoyed John Travolta since Pulp Fiction (although I did like some of his earlier stuff as well). This is a well put together action/thriller with some extreme situations, good choreography, and a great presentation. They flesh out the characters enough so the bad guys seem like real people, and while it doesn't take the 'fuck that!' out of the story, it does create some meatiness that all well directed movie will have. You don't have to stayed glued to the screen the whole time but you will want to pay attention as some scenes move pretty fast but after about 20 minutes in it shouldn't really be an issue. Call it an action/thriller taco with extra beef. Recommended.

Side Effects (2013)

A psychiatrist finds his life unraveling after accepting a new patient who's husband has just been freed from a four year prison term. I have to be a little ambiguous with this one so I don't give away any spoilers. If you are in the habit of checking IMDb you will notice my summary is nothing like theirs, that's not accidental (in fact theirs is a bit of a cheat). Anyway this is a good movie for Jude Law fans and those who prefer a more involved movie experience.  I would compare this movie to Primal Fear (1996) or Stone (2010) in tempo and depth (Jude is much more refined than Edward), if you enjoyed either of those you will probably enjoy this one. It had no trouble keeping my interest throughout. 

Snitch (2013)

After his son lands in prison The Rock has to become a snitch to keep him from doing 10 years. This is supposed to be 'based on true events' and all I have to say about that is, if accurate, our 'justice' system is more fucked up than I thought. The meat is a solid production value that keeps a brisk pace with enough tension to keep whats going to happen next a little foggy (it's not a real big surprise that things go the way they do). FX are good and while its not a terribly violent movie, the violence that does happen is convincing though not terribly graphic. I will say that of the 4 female characters in the film, 3 of them should be killed. That aside its a fairly enjoyable watch.

ParaNorman (2012)

Norman isn't one of the cool kids. He isn't one of the tough kids. He's not one of the smart kids. And if things weren't tough enough dead people won't leave him alone and the town's resident crazy person is his uncle.  This is a cool Halloween themed movie with a bit of a twist and some imagery toward the end that may be a little much for very young viewers (unless they are delightfully twisted like I was). One of the main characters is a homosexual, something they allude to during the course of the movie but at the end have him greeting his boyfriend. The inclusion of this character makes one of the rolling comedy bits work so its not just gratuitous. I mention this only if there is some concern over having to explain this to your 4 year old, it may be that it will be completely overlooked but in movies like this that are directed at children I think its important parents know whats in them (looking at Looney Tunes as an adult its clear that some elements are beyond what a child will perceive).  As far as the movie goes I thought it was pretty good, horror fans should find the spin on some staple themes pretty amusing. It doesn't pay to be a zombie in this town bub!

Red Dawn (2012)

The US mainland is invaded and a group of high school kids form a band of resistance fighters. This is a repackage of the 1984 movie of the same name. Not a bad watch, FX are good for the most part as is the acting and choreography. Its still a very scrubbed look at what could be expected under such circumstances however, so enjoy the entertainment value instead of picking apart the details. If you are in the mood for a little American pride or just want something that follows a good movie formula for easy entertainment, this isn't a bad pick. I did like a couple scenes especially, the whole bit with the Tec-9's was spot on as well as the fix for it. Semper Fi bitches!

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

An aging arcade game character decides he's tired of being the bad guy, and if he could just get a medal then he could have some friends and respect... and pie.  If the picture I put up seems out of place its on purpose. None of my preconceptions about this movie survived past the first 15 minutes. While obviously aimed at a younger audience some of the themes, though morally simple (like all truths), are served up in very complex manners. (Remember this is a cartoon). There are some parts that have to be specifically directed at us veterans who actually remember video arcades. (Do they even exist anymore?) I flat enjoyed the hell out of this one and plan several more viewings. The pacing of the movie is along the lines of Monsters Inc. including the great big warm fuzzy tacked on the end. A very clever and well put together bit of animation. Highly Recommended.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

When the Boogeyman threatens to strike the hope and joy from the children of the world the guardians assemble to stop him. Whoever is running Dreamworks these days is rocking the house, this is another top shelf production (they raid Pixar or something?). Great use of some older characters like Man in the Moon and the Sandman in pitching one heck of an exciting thrill packed ride. Nothing too scary so it should be safe down the line. Young and old will have sore faces after all the smiling during this one. Hard to imagine this not being added to the shelf of holiday favorites. Highly Recommended.

Stitches (2012)

A bizarre birthday accident violates the sacred rite of the clown so all must die... laugh dammit, laugh! Pretty much what you expect, cheesy 80's style slasher film, but this one has a little surprise for you. Unbeknownst to anyone there is a secret order of the clown which states any clown who dies without finishing the gig will roam the earth as a vengeful undead clown thing or something.  This is sort of a Bad Santa version of cheesy B slasher movies. Mr Clown is delightfully raunchy and I have no idea what the canned bean scene was about (at least I think thats what they are) but its both funny and silly all at once.  Its not quite as in your face as Hobo With a Shotgun but its along those lines. I laughed out loud in a couple places. If you like to mix your wannabe horror with your almost comedy this would be a saucy selection.

Money Shot (2012)

Borrowing a wad of cash from his hit man uncle a loser and a has been collaborate to make a movie. Don't go into this one expecting much, the inclusion of Jason Mewes is what  attracted my attention. Basically this is a low budget hodgepodge of pieces of other movies without making overt reference to the fact. Its not without some bright spots however and some laughs can be found if you are in the proper state of mind. Mind bending narcotics may help. Not much of a film but still better than the Grammys.

The ABCs of Death (2012)

This is a 26 story anthology, a story for each letter of the alphabet by a different director. The word I will use to describe this one is interesting. The stories run the gamut from good to bad to weird to WTF?. If you are a serious movie junkie I would say its worth watching for the experience, if you are a casual movie goer this probably won't appeal to you. If anyone remembers The Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation its much like that in the delivery with some winners and some losers. Definitely something different. Due to the short duration of each segment this is one you will have to actively watch to appreciate. 

Freaky Deaky (2012)

A couple small time ex-cons try to ply their way into an old associates inherited fortune.  The way this film starts I was ready for some pretty funny stuff but after the pre title scene is over the movie is more along the lines of Jackie Brown meets Justified. Still pretty entertaining fare despite the inclusion of Christian Slater. The movie moves along at a nice brisk pace with a wonderful 70's backdrop of drugs, partying, and semi clad partiers. Great cast of almost familiar players (you will recognize many of them, just not remember names), some witty dialogue and almost dialogue, and a story-line that seems like it was lifted from The Rockford Files. I enjoyed this one despite it not being quite as funny as it could have been. Oh but they do blow up Andy Dick and Christian Slater so you have that to look forward to. If you want something entertaining and easy viewing this wouldn't be a bad pick.

Love and Honor (2013)

When a soldier in the Vietnam war gets a letter from his life long sweetheart breaking things off he heads home to confront her.  This is a story about character, friendship, and making sure you do the important things in life. Despite the backdrop this is less a movie about war or politics and more about people and passion. There is a tiny cheat on the back end that insures the story ends on a positive note. Enjoyable viewing with a man-style fuzzy.

Hitchcock (2012)

A look at a man who's name has become synonymous with suspense and horror during the making of one of the worlds most well known horror movies, Psycho. Anthony Hopkins portrayal in the title role is hands down one of the best and most convincing I have ever seen.  I don't know how accurate the events portrayed are but its an absolutely top shelf movie. Make this one a priority. Highly Recommended.

Girls Against Boys (2012)

This is sort of a Thelma and Louise slasher B movie, less yaking and more killing.  Shae is having man trouble when her co-worker Lu decides to share her psychotic habit of killing people with her... everything is fine for awhile until Lu decides she wants to keep Shae all to herself. Some pretty decent scenes of creative killing, FX are first rate, and some of the set-ups are unique and cool. I think this is one the gals will enjoy a bit more than the guys. Fairly entertaining.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (video part 1&2 2012/2013)

10 years after going into retirement The Batman dawns the cowl at 55 to battle a new menace, as well as old ones.  Frank Miller's graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns redefined comics in general and heralded a darker grittier story genre. In fact many Batman fans won't even speak to you if you aren't familiar with the Miller version. If you aren't familiar with the book but like Batman, see the videos first before you decide to hunt down a copy. The story itself kind of closes out the Bruce Wayne portion of the Batman mythos and portrays the Dark Knight with a more 'real world' backdrop. This is a much more a Frank Castle style Batman, militant and brutal, though still not homicidal. There is a lot of worthy social commentary in this one, and an engaging mature story-line, not really aimed at younger viewers.  Animation is adequate, though highly stylized, and reminiscent of the penciling style of Frank Miller. For fans this is a must see. Recommended

Antiviral (2012)

At some point in the future the obsession with celebrity gets to the point where people pay to be infected with diseases from them and eat genetically grown pieces of their flesh. I imagine this was quite the nightmare for whomever came up with this one. Production value over all is good, FX are a bit thin in places but it doesn't get in the way of the creepiness of the film. You can watch this one of two ways, either a creepy late night sci-fi horror or social commentary. Either way its a twisty creepy. You may never look at whitefish the same way again.

American Mary (2012)

A med student wishing to become a surgeon finds a more lucrative life servicing the desires of underground body sculpting. The lesson here for the boys is if you have a prodigy surgeon as a student with ties to the underworld you don't slip her roofies at a party and make a video of the bang bus. An interesting peek at the land of body modification and those who seek it. There is some blood and gore in this one, mostly of a surgical nature, but nothing too overboard.  Everything seems to be going well until the police start looking at her in the disappearances of some people who pissed her off. Not a bad watch. Nice little twisty that won't require a shower after.

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Beca goes to college and finds herself with the aid of an all female singing group. Yeah it sounds pretty lame, and that's why I put off seeing it this long. But I was wrong. This is one of those rare movies that has an extended shelf life and it gets better with each viewing, or at least it has for me. I've watched it about 5 times in the last 3 days.  Very humorous and engaging with all the players hitting stride like they have been lifelong friends. Reminds me of a mix of Fame, 10 Things I Hate About You, and The Breakfast Club all rolled together. (The Breakfast Club is a little cheat because it plays a pivotal part in the movie). Definitely a feel good film. Highly Recommended.

Stand Up Guys (2012)

After 25 years in prison Val is in for the night of his life... if he doesn't die first.  This is an enjoyable, moderately funny, die with dignity kind of story, sort of a shout out that just because you're old doesn't mean you aren't still people. Al Pacino and Christopher Walken don't disappoint and serve up an easy watching feel good movie with a little sass tacked on the back end for good measure. I wouldn't cross a desert to see this, but I wouldn't pass it by either.  Mama's lasagna with a respectable Chianti.

Life of Pi (2012)

A young man leaves India with his family but tragedy strikes and he finds himself adrift on the pacific sharing a life boat with the only other survivor, a Bengal tiger!  This is far from a puppy fluff feelgood fest where the tiger and the guy bond and become bestest buds.. much of his time is spent trying not to be killed by the tiger he has no way of escaping while trying to survive being shipwrecked... needless to say its a challenge!  This is a fine story driven family friendly drama that is done in an intelligent and enjoyable manner. Its hard to believe this movie is over 2 hours long as it just flies by. Granted I was going to take a pass on this but just like Slumdog Millionaire I was treated to a surprising and thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience. If you want to get away from the sex, violence, and foul language this is your daisy. Highly Recommended.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

Before seeking elected office, young Abe made his way by battling the forces of darkness.  I went into this expecting a serious cheese-fest but came out pleasantly surprised. Sure it has SOME cheese, but how could it not? Over all a solid and enjoyable production, all players perform admirably and you get treated to some very effective sleight of hand.  Finally the mystery of Pickett's charge is solved! Easy watching and fun. Recommended.

Django Unchained (2012)

The latest offering from Quinton Tarantino.  A freed slave turned bounty hunter goes on a blood splattering quest to reclaim his wife who has been sold to one of the most infamous plantations in Mississippi.  Okay QT fans don't require a disclaimer, you know before hand what to expect. This one has been taking considerable heat for the number of times 'nigger' is uttered (about the same amount as 'mother fucker' in any Samuel L Jackson movie and less than the average rap LP).  This whole argument is kinda mindless.. its kind of like counting the number of rounds fired in such a movie... if its a QT movie you know there will be a lot, it will be over the top, and it will be offered without apology. Nuff said. On to the grand design itself. I have to say I have been a little disappointed with the last couple QT movies but he hits stride with this one.  This was a lot of fun to watch and no expense was spared with the exploding blood packs and other grisly shooting FX.  Mindless violence, a hero filled with righteous fury, bad guys going down like moths in a bug zapper, and riding off into the sunset at the end... what more do you want? lol  Oh and Sheldon (aka Spike) Lee, why don't you pucker up and kiss my white ass! Pay attention to the R rating because they mean it this time. Recommended.

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

A movie about a movie with a dog thief and some gangsters. A star studded offering of kinda weird movie making. Heavy drinking screen-wright Colin Farrell gets sucked into an adventure that solves his immediate problem and opens another on the back end.  Anything with Christopher Walken in it is worth seeing as far as I am concerned. Sam Rockwell is another name that is moving up my 'must see' list of players. One thing this movie isn't is boring.. while sometimes it doesn't make much sense its still fun to watch.  So if you just want some violence seasoned, humorous, easy to watch entertainment that is worth viewing more than once, this would be one. Recommended.

In Their Skin (2012)

A family is confronted by a psycho seeking to steal their identities. This is kind of a luke warm thriller that I think will be more effective giving female audiences chills than male ones. Selma Blair's lead character is a bit much to deal with.. a bit too realistic portrayal of someone with emotional issues (got on my nerves), but once the shooting starts she pulls herself together relatively well.  There are a couple scenes that will have some people talking but for the most part this is relatively stale bread. Proof once again that if you are going to be an evil overlord you need to read and adhere to the damn manual!

Hyde Park on Hudson (2012)

A look at the not so secret affair FDR had with one of his cousins.  I will admit a measure of trepidation going into this one, and in the first 10 minutes or so I thought my fears of leg humping and political candy coating would be realized.  But thankfully I was in error. This was a light enjoyable uplifting movie with subtle situational humor. The lions share of the movie occurs during a visit by the King and Queen of England on the cusp of WWII.  Bill Murray does a believable, if not stellar, presentation of FDR.  He comes across as less a politician culled from old money wealth, and more just a very likable and down to earth regular Joe who enjoys picnics and hot dogs. Easy watching and enjoyable family friendly viewing.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Dracula's daughter has reached her 118th birthday and she wants to see the world!  After being chased off by a torch wielding mob of villagers, Dracula takes his infant daughter and builds a secret high end monster resort that guarantees a 'human free' environment.  Cute and enjoyable variation of Lady and the Tramp with modern humor and music. Family friendly and humorous that maintains a good pace with enough juvenile humor to keep the young ones enthralled. Recommended.

The Possession (I) (2012)

A box purchased at a local garage sales holds a demonic entity. Okay a few FX aside I found this movie about enjoyable as a root canal.  The level of dysfunction claimed by all the primary players (with the exception of Jeffrey Morgan) was more than I could stand. I will admit that I did not survive until the end credits before I exorcised myself from its influence. My advice? Don't buy the box.

The Impossible (2012)

Another 'based on true events' movie, this one about the tsunami of 2004 that wiped out coastlines all over the Indian ocean.  This movie jumps right in with the event occurring in the first 10 minutes and the majority of the film taking place in the aftermath. A great look at what life is like if you manage to survive something like this and hopefully after viewing this movie you will be encouraged to install a 'if we get separated meet back at the car' habit with your family.  Strong drama that highlights the strength and character of young Lucas both during and after the event.  Emotionally driven with solid work from all the primary players (thankfully the whiny kid doesn't have a big role). Tissues needed for the soft hearted.

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

The 'based on true events' hunt for the infamous terrorist Osama bin Laden,  self proclaimed mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. This was an enjoyable watch.  I had avoided it for fear of it being overly politicized  but aside from one WMD remark (conveniently forgetting that was the stated reason the prior admin was bombing the shit out of Iraq) that wasn't the case. Apparently some of the professional movie bitches were pissing and moaning about the depictions of interrogations.  Seriously people these days have no concept of what actual torture and cruelty is.  But that aside this was a nice brisk character driven (kudos to Jessica Chastain) drama with an action topping. There were a couple scenes where I was yelling at the idiots. Not that its hard to envision idiocy in gubment but you would think having your physical ass on the line would cause you to tighten things up a bit. Anyway the movie wraps up with the raid by S6 (not as flattering as other movies depicting spec ops) and the death of OBL. Overall a solid bit of film making that you can enjoy without being overly slimed by political bullshit.

Argo (2012)

After the embassy in Iran was overrun in the late 1970's the CIA cooked up a plan to rescue a handful of  Americans who avoided being kidnapped but are unable to escape the country. This is a pretty good drama with good tension, respectable performances, and a compelling enough story-line to grab and hold your attention. Based on true events (an increasingly meaningless phrase.. lol).  Not for adrenaline junkies.

Lincoln (2012)

In the waning days of the War of the States, President Lincoln fights to have the 13th amendment ratified.  Top shelf drama. This is what actors used to do before all the FX and gratuitous nudity (not that there is anything wrong with that). Daniel Day Lewis turns in yet another command performance as Lincoln, no surprise for me there. Sally Field as Mary Todd, I don't know much about the actual person but if she was half as tiresome as Sally Fields portrayed her its a wonder Abe didn't send her south to fight with the troops.  But its Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens who steals the spotlight every time he is in frame, outstanding!  There is a whole lot to like in this one for viewers who wish to enjoy the craft of players rather than the savvy of FX craftsmen. This one deserves the praise its going to get. Recommended.