Starring: Guy Pearce, Katie Holmes and Bailee Madison
Directed by: Troy Nixey
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 39 mins
Miramax

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro describes the 1973 “made for television” film “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” as the scariest movie ever made for that medium. While my first choice would actually be “Trilogy of Terror,” it was pretty scary to my 13-year old mind. del Toro is the producer behind the new version of the Kim Darby/Jim Hutton (Tim’s dad) scare-fest and, while it has a few good moments, it’s another unnecessary new film based on an old film.

In a quiet part of Rhode Island, little Sally (Madison) has been sent by her mother to live with her dad, Alex (Pearce) and his girlfriend Kim (Holmes). Unhappy with the move, Sally is a brooding child. When she spies a broach that Kim is wearing Kim tells her, “my mother gave it to me.” “My mom gave ME to my dad,” Sally replies. She is also unhappy about the house, an old mansion that we’re introduced to in a prologue that makes the “is it safe?” scene in “Marathon Man” look like fun. While exploring the grounds Sally discovers a hidden basement. What she finds inside will make you think twice before you look for a quarter under your pillow.

With one seventeen-minute short film on his resume’, Troy Nixey certainly seems like an odd choice to direct a feature horror film. The film moves well but it’s obvious that Nixey (as well as screenwriters del Toro and Matthew Robbins) have been influenced by what they’ve seen before, including “Poltergeist,” “Gremlins,” “The Amityville Horror” and del Toro’s own “Pan’s Labyrinth.” Though there is some blood and violence, the majority of the scares depend on how they are set up. I can put a camera over someone’s shoulder, play the music loud and, when I feel like it, throw a cat up on screen to make everybody jump. There are no flying cats, thank goodness, but a lot of the scares are basically Horror Movie 101. I would LOVE to have seen what del Toro would do with it.

The cast tries it’s best to convey the terror. As little Sally, Madison appears to be in full “Damien” mode at first. Quiet and brooding, she begins to try to make friends with the creatures that live in the basement and want her to be their friend. Holmes is strong as the young woman not prepared to be a mother, even in a temporary roll. Pearce, looking creepily like a young Mark Wahlberg or Scott Glenn, circa “Urban Cowboy,” is also strong as his Alex must first battle with Sally’s mood then the eventual creatures that she encourages with her action. The visual effects, by effects maestros Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger, are a little jumpy, with the creatures resembling Salacious Crumb, the little guy that sat on Jabba the Hutts’ lap in “Return of the Jedi.”

“That place is unsafe for children,” a local handyman repeatedly tells Alex and Kim about the basement. Unsafe? I guess so. But, with the exception of a few scares, there’s really no reason to be afraid of the dark. I wasn’t.

Related Content

• Film Review “Golf in the Kingdom”
• Film Review “The Change-Up”
• Film Review “The Three Stooges”
• Film Review “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”
• Film Review “The Ides of March”

Director: Richard Gabai
Cast: Sean Patrick Flanery, Natalie Zea, Adam Baldwin, Christopher Lloyd, Thomas Ian Nicolas, Veronica Cartwright, Juliette Landau, Max Perlich, Angeline-Rose Troy
Check Entertainment Distribution
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 92 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The most important question for this film is “Who Killed Allison Parkes?”. This film is a non-stop thrill ride that keeps you guessing the whole movie. It is well-paced and the surprises are perfectly executed. I am pretty good at guessing the twists but this film had me stumped. The film also has an all-star cast and their performances are well done.

“InSight” follows Kaitlyn (Natalie Zea), a nurse that is somehow linked to one of her patients. When she is caring for the stabbing victim, Allison Parkes, she is accidentally electrocuted by the defibrillator and immediately she starts seeing the victim’s own memories. It is up to Kaitlyn with to use this to help solve the crime along with detective Peter Rafferty (Sean Patrick Flanery).

Sean Patrick Flanery is great in this role and plays the cop well. Natalie Zea gives an intense performance, as the troubled nurse turned victim. Great supporting cast also includes appearances from Adam Baldwin, Christopher Lloyd and Thomas Ian Nicolas. The film feels low budget for sure but tries its best to deliver higher quality production. The editing is well done in the film piecing it together slowly for the big reveal. Overall a small film with some big surprises, definitely worth a watch.

Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant, Imogen Poots, Toni Collette, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Distributed by Touchstone Pictures
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 106 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

.

Click here to read our interview with star Imogen Poots

When it comes to horror films, it is hard for them to remake our “babies”. I happened though to have really enjoyed this film. I have to say it was really well done and it is a great upgrade to the series. It kept the charm of the first film but added more action, humor and class. Plus who doesn’t like vampires in 3D…I sure do!…and yes BTW it was shot in 3D (more on that later). What makes it even better is that you have a fantastic young cast led by the amazing Colin Farrell. NOTE: Die-hard fans of the original make sure to keep an eye out about half way through for a great cameo from the original Jerry, Chris Sarandon.

The story gets an update in this remake and moved to the outskirts of Las Vegas because where else is a perfect setting for people that play all night and sleep all day. We follow Charley (Anton Yelchin) who, of course, suspects that his new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell) is a vampire after being convinced by his friend Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). Once Jerry catches on to Charley knowledge of him all war is waged on him and his friends and family. Charley then visits and seeks the help from Las Vegas magician and vampire expert Peter Vincent (David Tennant) to try beat him.

Anton Yelchin and Imogen Poots are great newcomers and are going to be taking over Hollywood soon. Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s role is limited but effective. Christopher really gets a chance to act in this film and not just play the nerd. I have to tell you Roddy McDowall is a hard act to follow but David Tennant (known best for playing the 10th Doctor Who) is simply spectacular!! He is funny and steals most of his scenes. But let’s give it up to Colin Farrell who is such plays the amazingly bad-ass vampire, Jerry. Colin not only hits a home run, he gets a grand slam with this film and the role really suites him well.

The special effects in the film are really well done and the makeup is phenomenal, kudos as usual to KNB EFX team, Howard Berger and Greg Nicotero. The film was shot using 3D cameras like the recent “Final Destination 5” and it really improves the film. The 3D is subtle but adds good depth and a few “whoa” jump moments, especially at the end. Overall if you are fan of the original I suggest you give this film an open-minded chance and if you haven’t seen the original you will still have a blast with this for sure (then watch the original, cause it rules!).

Directed by: Marcus Nispel
Starring: Jason Mamoa, Ron Perlman and Rose McGowan
Distributed by: Lionsgate
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 112 min

Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

This modernized and cinematographic version of “Conan the Barbarian” is beautiful, colorful and more dramatic in contrast than it’s earlier predecessor. The character Conan is given a stronger personality, and the supporting cast stands out much better than they did in original movie. The story line is strong in action, adventure, fantasy and has terrific dramatic scenery. While the movie converted to 3D in post production, it was still well done and really draws you in to the story.

Jason Mamoa is brilliant as a stoic and yet charming version of Conan. My first impression was of slight disappointment, having viewed Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan; a silent, intimidating and deadly barbarian. Then I had to remind myself that Schwarzenegger probably only lacked speaking lines due to his limited English at the time. He was also hired for the part because they wanted Mr. Universe to play the role of Conan. In this updated rendition, Conan is suave and plays both comic and sexy well. He is able to make his cave-man treatment towards the beautiful monastery maiden Tamara, our token barbarian love interest.

Ron Perlman, plays Corin, Conan’s father and also the leader of the Cimmerians. This role might have been type-cast, but as usual he portrayed the strong Barbarian leader with strength and presence, even though his part was short. Rose McGowan, as the evil witch daughter Marique, doesn’t stand out much when it comes to the strength of character in terms of acting. I felt that the actress who played the younger witch daughter was more convincing. Marique’s costumes though were fantastically dramatic in concept and line. As much as I assume they want you to hate her, I didn’t really find myself hating her so much as feeling rather nonplussed. Stephen Lang does his job well as the main baddie Khalar Zym. Lang is also rather type-cast, however he still manages to take a character and make it an antagonist you like to hate.

The movie definitely has replay value and I look forward to hopefully seeing an extended cut on Blu-ray. The music wasn’t that memorable but it think it did a good job complimenting the movie. Overall the movie was beautiful, strong and memorable, and I think Jason Mamoa did an exceptional job filling some pretty big shoes. He met and exceeded my expectations and I look forward to any possible sequel that may come about.

Starring: Buck Brannaman and Robert Redford
Directed by: Cindy Meehl
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 28 mins
IFC Films

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

You probably don’t know it but you’ve heard of Buck Brannaman. Maybe not by name, but certainly by reputation. Brannaman is the man they call “the Horse Whisperer.” In fact, he was the inspiration for the popular novel by Nicholas Evans of the same name. He served as a consultant and technical adviser for Robert Redford on the film version of the book. Now Brannaman himself is featured in the new documentary simply titled “Buck.”

A true cowboy, Brannaman has been around horses his entire life. As a young man he and his brother, Smokie, were popular entertainers at local rodeos, thrilling the crowds with a variety of rope tricks. The boys were so popular that they were featured in a television commercial for “Sugar Pops” cereal. (Note to readers born after 1980: believe it or not, sugar used to be a good thing. As a kid I was treated to such tasty cereals as “Sugar Crisp,” Sugar Frosted Flakes” and, as previously mentioned, “Sugar Pops.” You can still find these products on your grocer’s shelves, now labeled “Golden Crisp,” “Frosted Flakes” and plain old “Corn Pops.”) What the public didn’t know was that the boys were raised by an abusive father. As Buck tells it, “my dad gave us the choice of practicing roping tricks or getting whipped,” The abuse grew so bad that the boys spent many years in foster homes. But it is this upbringing that leads Buck to his calling. His job: to help horses with people problems.

Beautifully photographed (I have no idea if documentary films are eligible for academy awards outside of their category but if so “Buck” is on my short list for this year’s best cinematography), “Buck” shows life at its most simple level. His love for horses is unyielding as is his way with them. If a horse will not allow itself to be broken it is because “humans have failed him.” As he approaches a horse his tone is quiet; barely a whisper. When his face is inches away from the animal he looks into its eyes, which he refers to as “a window to your soul.” There apparently isn’t a horse that he can’t tame, and he does it with love, not a whip. The film also takes a look at Buck with his family. These are some of the film’s best scenes, especially the ones that feature Buck and his youngest daughter, Reata, who is practicing to be a championship roper herself.

Related Content

• Film Review “Premium Rush”
• Film Review “The Woman in Black”
• Film Review “Drive”
• Film Review – “Black Panther”
• Film Review “Spring”

Directed by: Steven Quale
Starring: Nicholas D’Agosto, Emma Bell, Miles Fisher, Arlen Escarpeta, David Koechner, PJ Byrne, Tony Todd
Distributed by New Line Cinema
Rated R
Running time: 92 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

This film is simply the best in the series. If you have seen one “Final Destination”, you know what to except from this film. The last film in the series was titled “The Final Destination” but it kicked started the series and especially since it was in 3D. This film does follow a similar path but the death scenes are the best by far, the 3D is beyond cool and it takes the series in a new direction. Sit back get ready to cover those eyes, laugh, scream and enjoy the hell out of this movie.

The story is similar than its predecessors, Sam Lawton, (Nicholas D’Agosto) and he co-workers are heading on a retreat for work and he has a premonition that the suspension bridge they are on will collapse. As the vision becomes reality, Sam and his friends that maybe they shouldn’t have survive. They start getting picked off one by one in the order that they died in the premonition. They need to find a way to cheat death and survive.

The film stars Nicholas D’Agosto, Emma Bell, Miles Fisher, Arlen Escarpeta, David Koechner, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, Ellen Wroe, P.J. Byrne, Courtney B. Vance and Tony Todd. I have had the chance to interview quite of few of the cast and I have heard some really great stories about this film and how much fun it was to work on. What is great about this cast is that it has a little bit of comedy spread through it, so the film is laced with a nice combination of horror and comedy. Because if you don’t by know this series like to have fun with it death scenes and make you both laugh and scream at the same time.

So even though “The Final Destination” was in 3D, this film takes it to a whole new level right from the opening credits. You had people jumping and screaming throughout the film. I haven’t been in a theater in a long time when the audience reacted the way that they did for this. The death scenes were so well planned and over the top like always but nothing was predictable this time around. Every horror fan should see this film and especially if you are a fan of the series. It is hard to believe that a franchise that is entering its fifth film in the series could have this much steam left…but hey look at “The Fast and the Furious” series.

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride and Aziz Ansari
Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 23 mins
Columbia

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

In August 2003, a 45 year old pizza delivery man named Brian Wells walked into a bank in Erie, Pennsylvania with a bomb strapped to his chest and attempted to rob it. Foiled by the police, Wells told the cops that the bomb had been forcibly strapped to him by several men who ordered him to rob the bank. If he didn’t bring them the money the bomb would explode. Not believing Wells, the police detained him. BOOM! Not the type of story you’d think one would make a comedy about but the creators of “30 Minutes or Less” have done just that.

Nick (Eisenberg) is a young slacker with no drive. When he’s not home playing video games he’s delivering pizzas around town. Due to his company’s “30 Minutes or Less or your pizza is free” policy he can usually be found running red lights and speeding excessively. He has two friends: schoolteacher Chet (Ansari) and his twin sister, Kate (Dilshad Vadsaria), who he is desperately in love with. When Kate shows surprise that Nick isn’t on Facebook he replies that he’s completely “off the grid,” a nice nod to Eisenberg’s Oscar nominated performance as Facebook co-creator Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network.” As Nick drives aimlessly from one address to another, across town 30-something Dwayne (McBride) is aimlessly blowing up things with the help of his friend Travis (Nick Swardson), a master of all things technical. Dwayne lives at home with his lottery winning father, a former Marine referred to as the Major (Fred Ward). The Major can’t stand Travis’ lazy ways. Travis can’t stand the fact that the Major is blowing through the winnings he’s hoping to inherit. One way to hasten that inheritance is to have the Major killed. But a hit man costs money.

Continuously funny from start to end, “30 Minutes or Less” rides on the talents of it’s cast. Eisenberg, who managed to make Mark Zuckerberg seem almost likable, is off beat as Nick. It’s a persona he has down to a tee and he conveys it well. As Chet, Ansari is both the voice of reason and the voice of mayhem. No matter how hard he tries to convince Nick to go to the police he continues to feed on the high of helping his friend pull off the heist, suggesting they follow the plan devised in the movie “Point Break.” Swardson has made a career of playing slightly vacuous characters (“Grandma’s Boy,” “Blades of Glory”) and does the same here. As the hit man for hire, Michael Pena shows a talent for comedy. But the star here is McBride. His dim, fantasy-world-living Travis gives the film its best laughs. Between his recent on-screen work and his performance as Kenny Powers in HBOs’ “Eastbound and Down,” he may be the funniest actor working these days. To play off the title of the film, Danny McBride delivers!

In case you were wondering, it turned out that Brian Wells was a willing participant in the bank robbery mentioned above, though speculation remains that he didn’t know the bomb was real. His co-conspirators were eventually apprehended and are serving the next few decades in federal prison. Maybe they’ll get a chance to see “30 Minutes or Less” on “movie night.”

Directed by: Alex Gibney / Alison Ellwood
Starring, Ken Kesey, Jerry Garcia, The Grateful Dead, Neal Cassidy, Allen Ginsburg, Jack Kerouac
Distributed by: Magnolia Pictures
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

In 1964, Ken Kesey, author of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” set off on a legendary, LSD filled cross-country road trip on an old psychedelic painted school bus. On the trip they filmed it to make a movie, which never saw the light of day. This film is made up of the original 16mm color footage shot by Ken and the group called ‘the Merry Pranksters’, mixed with interviews. It is really interesting to embarks on this fun drug-infused trip and joining this group travel across country.

The film is documentary about Kesey and the Merry Pranksters during their 1964 cross-country bus trip in a bus to the World’s Fair. Of course they all realize that the trip is more about the journey itself then to the 1964 World’s Fair. Along the way Ken and his group meet up with many different people including the newcomer musicians, The Grateful Dead, author of “On the Road”, Jack Kerouac and LSD defender Timothy Leary.

The music in the film is amazing, especially if you are a fan of the 60’s it will be right up your alley. I really enjoyed the footage of the World’s Fair as well. The film is also well paced, which is key since a group going on a bus trip might get boring after a while. This is film delivers a fun trip.

Directed by: David Dobkin
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie Mann
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Rated R
Running time: 112 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It is really rare that a film is extremely funny, raunchy and also has a great heart. Most films have one of the three and fail on the others. “The Change-Up” is easily one of the funniest films of the year. The combo of Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman is a match made in heaven. I would like to point out that besides this being on hell of a funny film, it is also one of the raunchiest and dirtiest movies I have ever seen (in a good way). I found myself covering my face wondering how the hell did they get away with this throughout the film.

The story has been told before but never like this. Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) and Dave (Jason Bateman), are friends who believe that the other has a better life and while peeing into a magic fountain, they wish for each other’s life. Obviously it works and Mitch and Dave switch their bodies. Since they are two completely different people is why this film works so well. Mitch is a complete slack off that never sees anything through and Dave is a perfectionist that has big plans for his career. Mitch and Dave set out to make things right and get their lives back. Of course mucho hilarity ensues.

Jason Bateman is known for playing his typical role of guys like Dave in the film…but when he switches to the role of Mitch, it really shows a whole other side to him. He definitely steals the show and shines in this film. Would love to see him take on more roles like this. Ryan Reynolds is know for playing the action hero and slacker role and is perfect as the up tight perfectionist while playing the character of Dave. Don’t let me forget the women in the film, Leslie Mann and Olivia Wilde both are fun in this film. Leslie knocks it dead with her character and even shows some skin (bonus). Olivia Wilde is funny as the very forward co-worker of Dave, also shows some skin (double bonus).

I just want to say again how funny this film is and how over the top it is. When you think the shock and awe is done and the film is going to drop it adds some great heart and when it gets too much it just right back into the comedy. Perfect combination of the two. Make sure to leave the kids at home for this one definitely and get ready to laugh and enjoy this excellent film.

Starring: James Franco, Frieda Pinto and Andy Serkis
Directed by: Rupert Wyatt
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I first heard about this movie I was thinking why!  Then I thought about it and wondered what could have happened to cause the Apes in today’s times to take over and mankind to be slaves.  Well this movie does just that and does it very well, that it is very believable.

The film begins with of course the capturing of chimpanzee’s to bring back to the lab for experiments.  Dr. Will Rodman (James Franco) is on the verge of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and other ailments that attack the brain.  Not only would this cure it but make you smarter.  But with no side effects?  Of course things go wrong and that leads to the developing story line to the rise of the apes.

The special effects are absolutely amazing.  Watching Caesar grow and evolve in the movie is definitely worth it.  You can see him thinking and feeling very clearly, which you can also tell that he will eventually be up to no good….you would too if you went through what he did. The facial expressions of Caesar are very lifelike. This is due to the amazing work of WETA and performance capture from Andy Serkis. Also watching Caesar rally the troops and climb to the top is well done.  I do not want to say too much otherwise it would ruin the movie for you.  You will just have to go and see it.

The movie does start off slow but that is made up for the great storyline and character development.  There is not a lot of action but don’t let that stop you from seeing this movie.  I feel that this movie was very well done and the story line was great despite the lack of action.  Also when the movie is over don’t just get up and leave!

Starring: James Franco, Frieda Pinto and Andy Serkis
Directed by: Rupert Wyatt
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

CLICK HERE for our interview with the film’s writers Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa.

What can I say about the “Planet of the Apes” films? As a child of the late 60’s and early 70’s, nothing beat a film about talking monkeys! There were five original films in all (the last one, “Battle for the Planet of the Apes,” released when “Rise” director Rupert Wyatt is one year old). There followed an animated series as well as a weekly television show. And of course, back in the days before home video, there was that rare day each summer when the local theatre would hold an “APE-a-thon,” and my friends and I would spend most of a day in the darkness, watching each film. Tim Burton “re-imagined” “Planet of the Apes” in 2001, though he confused a lot of people with the ending (which was based on the ending in Pierre Boulle’s original novel). The two things I remember most about the Burton version is that Helena Bonham Carter really looked a lot like Michael Jackson and that, in what I thought was pretty ironic, NRA President (and original “Planet of the Apes” visitor) Charlton Heston was the only character that had a gun! With four decades of “Ape” enjoyment under my belt, I was a little skeptical when I learned of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” Happily, I needn’t have worried.

Modern day San Francisco. In a large, foreboding research facility, an ape nicknamed “Bright Eyes” is working a puzzle. Her skills impress those watching her. Bright Eyes is part of an experimental drug program. The goal: develop a way to reverse and cure Alzheimer’s Disease in humans. The cause is very close to head researcher Will Rodman’s (Franco) heart…his father (John Lithgow) is suffering from the disease. When an apparent successful demonstration of the drug goes terribly wrong, Will’s research is put on hold. On his way out the door he takes a newborn chimp with him. Not one to take “no” for an answer, Will continues his work, using his dad as a guinea pig. As for the chimp…well there wouldn’t be a movie if not for him.

Full of some fine tips of the hat to the original series (a list of some of them follow this review), “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is a smartly directed film that sits squarely on the shoulders of Andy Serkis. Serkis, whose performance as Golum in the “Lord of the Rings” films should have earned him an Oscar nomination or two (or three…he was ruled ineligible because the onscreen character was computer generated) is Caesar, the baby chimp all grown up. With a rapidly growing IQ but with the innocence of a child, Serkis gives Caesar, and the film, its soul. After spending many years living with Will, Caesar is discovered and sent to live in a primate house, overseen by a bureaucratic Brian Cox. There he is mistreated by both the handlers and the other apes, who do not easily accept a clothes-wearing ape. As Caesar battles with his kind Will must do the same, hoping to find a vaccine that will return his father back to him. The similarities between Will and his dad, and Caesar and Will, become more and more highlighted as the film progresses. Caesar considers Will his father and cannot understand the changes in his life. Ditto for Will and HIS dad.

Wyatt, who also directed 2008’s “The Escapist,” which also starred Brian Cox, stages the film well, most notably when the film centers itself on the Golden Gate Bridge. You may have heard of gorillas in the mist…try dealing with gorillas in the fog!

Click here to read another favorable review from our guest writer Angelo Casciorizzo Jr.

.

PAYING HOMAGE
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” recalls previous films.

SPOILER ALERT: As mentioned above, there are several references to the early series of “Ape” films. Here are a few that I noticed:

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

The first ape we meet is Bright Eyes. Bright Eyes was the name given to Colonel Taylor (Heston) in the first film by the ape scientists.

An orangutan in the film is named Maurice. Maurice Evans played Dr. Zaius, an orangutan, in the original film.

To control him, Caesar’s handlers use a fire hose. The same thing was done to Taylor.

In one scene the apes in the primate house become very noisy, causing one of the handlers to yell “It’s a Madhouse!” Taylor thought the same thing.

Early in the film Caesar plays with a model of the Statue of Liberty. The Statue plays an important role in the original film.

One of the characters is named Dr. Cornelia. One of the ape scientists in the first film was Dr. Cornelius, played by Roddy McDowall.

After an altercation one of the ape handlers utters the classic line, “take your paws off of me you damn, dirty ape!.” Once again, courtesy of Colonel Taylor in the original.

Directed by: Raja Gosnell
Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofía Vergara, Hank Azaria
Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG
Running time: 102 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

La la la-la la la, Sing a happy song, La la la-la la la, Smurf your whole day long. Now that song will get stuck in your head hopefully like it has mine. I grew up watching “Smurfs” and have always been a fan of the series. But the movie on the other hand…I was very skeptical. I was even convinced that it was going to be terrible and they would ruin my childhood blue heroes. Well all of that was laid to rest as the film was very surprisingly funny and enjoyable.

The film starts with the evil wizard Gargamel (marvelously played by Hank Azaria) as he discovers the Smurfs’ village. The Smurfs scatter into a “forbidden” grotto and due to the fact that it is a blue moon, a magical portal within transports them into present-day Central Park. Once they arrive in this strange place with Gargamel still on their trail, they luckily meet Patrick and Grace Winslow (Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays). With the help of their new friends, The Smurfs needs to find a way back home.

Neil Patrick Harris is very hot right now and I was afraid he was going to ruin his career with this film, but it doesn’t. He is really funny and the film itself has a lot of heart. Hank Azaria has a role that was simply made for him to play…perfect job. The 3D effects are some of the best I have seen all summer and the blend of CG and live-action works so well and seamless. The story is simple like it should be and given it is not perfect but it is fun. That is the best way to sum this film up it is just simple fun…nothing more.

Directed by: Jacob Tierney
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire, Scott Speedman
Distributed by: Alliance / Myriad Pictures
Rating: R
Running Time: 98 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

This film is a simple low budget serial killer “thriller” (used lightly) but with a decent cast. The film gives too much away too early and doesn’t really deliver in the end. The cast is made up of two well known actors Scott Speedman and Jay Baruchel. Scott Speedman is simply eerie in the film and Jay Baruchel is well…Jay Baruchel. The girl in the film is a Canadian actress not to well known here in the states, Emily Hampshire.

The story revolves of group of people who live in the same apartment building in Montreal. Looming in the background of the story there is a serial killer on the loose. Is it someone in the apartment complex? The trio find themselves questioning each other in hopes to find the killer until other things get out of hand. Overall the film doesn’t have enough thrill to be considered a thriller and falls more into dark comedy.

Overall I found myself having a hard time caring about the characters.  The story was pretty thin and there really wasn’t much back story to add some content to the story.  Which is a shame because this could have been a good film.

Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde
Directed by: Jon Favreau
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 58 mins
Universal

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

An action, sci-Fi Thriller set in the Wild West, “Cowboys and Aliens” surprises with a plot that combines both the wild west genre with the sci-fi genre while sticking true to the expectations of both styles.

The movie grabs your attention right away with Jake Lonergan, played by Daniel Craig, waking up in the middle of the desert with no memory, a photo of a pretty girl, and a strange metal brace on his right arm that he can’t remove. The story moves on in to your typical wild west story of man against man for self gain and then surprises you with the sudden introduction of aliens in the wild west, swooping in and boldly abducting people. Enemies join together for a common goal, to get their family and friends back and save the world as they know it. And of course what movie wouldn’t have the few surprises along the way.

Daniel Craig is perfect playing the bad boy turned hero Jake Lonergan, Harrison Ford is bold and brilliant as the rich Cattle Rancher and local bully Woodrow Dolarhyde, and Olivia Wilde is alluring as the svelte Ella Swenson.

Although the movie lacks in a memorable soundtrack, the music fit well. “Cowboys and Aliens” makes up for it in its spectacular acting and well delivered lines. This definitely surpassed my initial expectations. The cinematography was beautiful, casting was absolutely perfect, and the story worked well combining two completely separate genres.

Starring:  Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde
Directed by:  Jon Favreau
Rated:  PG 13
Running time:  1 hour 58 mins
Universal

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Let me say at the beginning that the film title is not just a clever name.  “Cowboys and Aliens” is about, well, cowboys.  And aliens.  I’m sure the pitch for it was “John Wayne plus “Dances With Wolves” meets “Alien.”  However it came to be, it’s one hell of a movie.

On a desolate trail three men stumble upon another laying on the ground.  They tell him that they are looking for absolution.  Are they looking for salvation or is that just one of those cool old western town names?  Before we can find out they observe that the man appears to have been shot and is wearing a heavy metal shackle on his wrist.  “Must have escaped from the hoosegow,” one replies.  Thinking him to be an escaped convict, the trio decide to take his clothes and money.  Well, at least they try to.

In the town of Absolution (question answered), Percy Dolarhyde (Paul Dano), the spoiled son of the town big shot, is drunkenly bothering some of the town folk.  He encounters our desert wanderer (Craig), who has no time for alcoholic hijinx.  Circumstances land both of them in the local jail.  Percy has shot a deputy while the man, who claims to not know who he is, has been identified as Jake Lonergan, who is wanted for robbing a train full of gold.  Percy’s daddy’s gold.  Only Jake doesn’t remember anything.  And what about that funny bracelet on his wrist?

As beautifully shot as an old John Ford western with the action one would expect from the director of “Iron Man,” “Cowboys and Aliens” is a perfect merger of two of the most popular genres ever.  With a list of behind the scenes producers that includes Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard, “Cowboys and Aliens” is a great companion piece to this year’s earlier “Super 8,” as both films were made by directors who love the medium they’re working in and are happy to pay homage to the films that came before them.

Craig has a perfect face for a western.  If this were the late 1960s he would be Lee Van Cleef (the “bad” part of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”).  In fact, with this performance and his recurring role as James Bond, Craig may be the baddest man on the planet.  To paraphrase a popular joke, Daniel Craig is so bad that Chuck Norris has his poster on his wall.  As Colonel Dolarhyde, Harrison Ford is equally well cast.  When we first meet him he’s a combination of Bernard’s father in “Billy Jack,” Ben Gazarra in “Road House” and Gene Hackman in “The Quick and the Dead.”  Yet as the film progresses, and Percy and others are snatched up by the title aliens, he begins to realize that life isn’t just gold and power.  Wilde seems to have come from another film, as if the filmmakers realized that they needed a woman on screen in case those in the intended audience brought a date.  Some great actors fill the supporting roles, including Keith Carradine as the town sheriff, Clancy Brown as the local preacher, Sam Rockwell as the owner of the saloon and Adam Beach as a member of Dolarhyde’s crew.  And to give the film a connection to the westerns of the past, Brendan Wayne, grandson of the Duke himself, also appears.

The special effects are well done and the title aliens are pretty darn creepy.  Credit director Favreau with keeping the alien technology as “primitive” as possible.  One of my biggest problems with the second “Star Wars” trilogy was that the ships and weapons were more technologically advanced then the ones in the first trilogy, even though it was earlier in the time line.  As the summer begins to draw to an end, this is certainly one of the films to see before it does.

Check out our review from guest author Desiree Yates, here.