Man of Steel

Movie:  Man of Steel
Major Actors:
Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Russel Crowe, Kevin Costner
Rating: PG 13
Best Audience: Older children, teenagers, adults

Review:

This film delved more into the alien side of Superman than previous Superman films have done. The movie starts off with a pretty thorough backstory on Superman's beginnings.  The movie did jump back and forth in time at the beginning.  This jumping did not make it hard to follow, it just didn't feel like the transitions were very smooth.  I felt certain important details were left unexplained as the plot unfolded as well.  I don't want to say which, so as not to spoil anyone.  But I left the theatre with questions.  I will partially spoil this part though:  after Lois and Clark kiss at the end, Lois--played by Amy Adams--says the cheesiest line ever.  Just brace yourselves for that one. 

And why did Lois and Clark kiss?  Because they are supposed to!  I know.  However, I did not feel like the things that happened in the movie were leading them to be together romantically.  That is to say...I did not feel the film lent itself to the development of a romantic relationship between Lois and Clark--and yet it still happened.  Lois was thrust into the action as a "damsel in distress" type and Superman--played by sexy Henry Cavill--was constantly having to save her.  I understand why her character would fall for Superman in that situation, but I simply felt like their chemistry was gravely lacking.

Aside from their relationship and the jumpy transitions, I actually really enjoyed "Man of Steel."  It is by far the best Superman movie (and yes, I have seen a few of them). 

Monsters University

Movie:  Monsters University
Major Actors:
Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Nathan Fillion, Aubrey Plaza, Bobby Moynihan Rating: G
Best Audience: Children and Families

Review:
Monsters University is a great film for the kids.  It is the sequel to Monsters Inc. which came out in 2001.  Just to give you an idea of how long ago that was:  When Monsters Inc. came out, I was 14.  Now I'm 26.  Crazy.

Anyway, Monsters University goes back in time to when Mike and Sully were in college studying to become "Scarers," which is the ultimate career in the Monster world.  Along with the funny moments come lessons about teamwork, being yourself, and doing the right thing.  If you have children, or are a child at heart, you'd probably enjoy this movie.  I must admit, I forgot a lot about the original, so I may have to rewatch Monsters Inc. to brush up on some of the things I forgot.

My Top 10 Favorite Movies

This is not REMOTELY objective.  These are my PERSONAL favorite films of all time. 

My Top 10 (+)

10. Little Miss Sunshine
9. Silver Linings Playbook
8. I Heart Huckabees
7. Fight Club
6. The Dark Knight
5. Garden State
4. Jerry McGuire
3.5 The Royal Tennenbaums (This is an edit...I left this one out originally...forgot about it)
3. The Departed
2. Love Actually
1. Sleepy Hollow

 

I will talk about "Sleepy Hollow."  I've loved this movie since I was 13.  I love a good mystery, and this is a wonderful "whodunit." Johnny Depp was at his peak of comedic and dramatic brilliance.  The setting is beautiful, albeit in a dark and dreary 1799 New England town.  Tim Burton does not hesitate to throw as much blood at Johnny Depp at possible, so it is a bit gorey.  This is a liberal adaptation of the famous "Sleepy Hollow," story, but it is great.

Star Trek: Into Darkness

Movie:  Star Trek:  Into Darkness
Major Actors: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, Benedict Cumberbatch
Rating: PG 13
Best Audience: Older children, teenagers, adults

Review:
I will preface this review by saying this:  I am not a Star Trek fan.  My brother and father are, but I am not.  However, I was a huge fan of the 2009 Star Trek (this film's predecessor).  I am a big fan of most things JJ Abrams does.  He directed the 2009 film as well as this one.

As the "Dark Knight" is to "Batman Begins," so is "Star Trek: Into Darkness" to "Star Trek."  That is to say...this movie owns.  Everything about it was excellent.  It was unpredictable, well written, action-packed, and character driven.  Benedict Cumberbatch was a superb villain.  In my opinion, Cumberbatch made this movie.

You do not have to be a fan of Star Trek to enjoy "Star Trek:  Into Darkness."

Iron Man 3

Movie:  Iron Man 3
Major Actors:
Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Jon Favreau, Paul BettanyRating: PG13
Best Audience: Older children, teenagers, adults

Review:
I had seen Iron Man 1 & 2 by the time this movie came out, but I must confess...I was actually one of the few people that did not see The Avengers.  So I decided that since The Avengers looked more like it should have been called "Iron Man and the Avengers," I wanted to see it first.  I'm glad I did.  Iron Man's experience with The Avengers was definitely a big part of the third Iron Man. 

Of course, Iron Man 3 was very action-packed and humorous, just like the previous films.  I still maintain that Don Cheadle steals the show, which is difficult to do from Robert Downey Jr.  Even if you haven't seen the Iron Man 1 & 2 or The Avengers, you would still enjoy this film for sheer entertainment purposes...you just may be a little confused.  I hate to tell people to do homework before they see a movie, but this film is best enjoyed when you know what happened in the previous films.

Oscar Predictions 2013

Oscar Night is like the Superbowl to me.  This night is definitely one of my favorites of the year.  I love the evening gowns, the accolades, and most importantly:  the movies!  Here are my predictions for the Oscars of 2013 in the top categories:

Best Picture:  This is a very tough prediction for this year.  If it were up to me, I would say Silver Linings Playbook  but based on the reception at other award shows, I'd say  Argo 

Best Actor:  Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln

Best Actress:  Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook 

Best Supporting Actor:  Tommy Lee Jones for Lincoln 

Best Supporting Actress:  Anne Hathaway for Les Miserables 

Best Director:  Stephen Spielburg for Lincoln 

Have a great night at the Oscars everyone!

Silver Linings Playbook

Movie:  Silver Linings Playbook
Major Actors: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker
Rating: R
Best Audience: Adults

Review:

I see movies all the time, but I rarely add a new favorite to my list.  This movie is absolutely a new favorite.  Not only did I love "Silver Linings Playbook," but I think it's one of the best films I've seen.  It has everything.  It is very relatable.  The characters are like people you know in real life.  The acting is amazing.  There is dancing, romance, comedy, sports, melodrama.  This movie has an actor nominated for an Oscar in each actor category and they all deserve it.  I can't say enough good things about the superb acting that Jennifer Lawrence does.  However, a few surprises for me were the preformances of Bradley Cooper and Chris Tucker.  Cooper did an excellent job as an emotionally strung out, desperate man.  Chris Tucker deviated from his normal type of role by being in this movie, but he still brought the comic relief to it that you would expect from Chris Tucker.  I highly recommend this film!