The Green Hornet 3D (2011)

Directed by Michel Gondry

Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Christoph Waltz, Cameron Diaz

Rating: 5/10


"The Green Hornet" already gets a few notches down for being in 3D. I could probably eventually see it in 2D, but then I wouldn't be able to continue my hatred for 3D. That being said Michel Gondry's latest film was a hit and miss. A good cast along with a director I've enjoyed for years should equal to a pretty damn good movie. "The Green Hornet" fell a little short in many areas but was at the same time pretty entertaining. The 3D aspect of it all took away from the quality of the film, like it does with any other movie, so I'll take that out of the picture.

"The Green Hornet" is based on the series with the same name about a "superhero" and his sidekick, Kato, that take down crinimals. Kato, originally played by Bruce Lee, is the asian kick-ass part of the equation while the Green Hornet is more the leader. After his father's death Britt Reid decides to take some initiative and reduce crime along with Kato, his father's trusty friend. Britt finds taking over the family newspaper business is boring and so the essence of The Green Hornet starts.

Seth Rogen stars as the Green Hornet/Britt Reid and was also a big part of the writing for the film. I was somehow unaware of this coming into the movie, but after I noticed it in the credits, I was not surprised. He has SO many lines that at times I thought he was the only person in the movie. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of Seth Rogen. His awkwardness is true and he's just plain funnier than a lot of actors out there today. A million lines and all, his performance was the only one that made sense to me.

Apparently there were other people in the film though. Christoph Waltz plays the "villain" as Chudnofsky. He's humorous and a great actor, but the movie didn't allow him to really do anything. He's in three scenes maximum and I don't really understand him at all. The only thing I know about Chudnofsky is that he has a badass double barrel shotgun/handgun thing that I want. I guess there does have to be a villain to every hero story.

Jay Chou plays Kato and is exactly what I expected him to be. He's the asian sidekick that beats everybody up. Fortunately he isn't portrayed as the "sterotypical asian", because that just gets plain old boring. He plays his part well but like the others he isn't given much and there's not a real story behind where he really came from. Speaking of not doing much, Cameron Diaz was in the movie. She plays a new hot assistant at Britt's newspaper company that looks into all the crimes involving the Green Hornet. Nothing against her, but her part can be completely cut out and the movie would be better. Not by much, but at least we wouldn't have to fit her into some absurd love triangle with the Green Hornet and Kato.

I guess I would have to place a lot of the blame on Michel Gondry. Being the director I would assume there would be an actual story behind the film. It seems like it goes; action scene, pointless drama, action scene, confusing plot jump, and then a final action scene. To be honest, I was surprised after loving Gondry for films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Maybe I expected too much out of it. The bottom line is the plot was a mess and some of the characters were leaning toward pointless. If you like Seth Rogen and the original Green Hornet series you will at least be entertained. As a movie, "The Green Hornet" is one you can eventually rent. There are plenty more movies out right now that are more enjoyable.

The Fighter (2011)

Directed by David O. Russell

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo


Rating: 8/10


"The Fighter" didn't knock me out, but I was pretty entertained throughout the length of the movie. Based on the story of boxer Micky Ward and his struggle to top tier status of the boxing world. Dragged down by his family and peers, Micky is forced to make the decision to stay with the family or actually proceed in his career.

This movie came at an interesting time with the whole boxing industry at a little bit of a downfall. The fights people want aren't getting made and fans are starting to turn in other directions of entertainment. For those who are fans of the sport, Micky Ward's story is very interesting. For others I feel this becomes just another rags to riches story, which isn't the worst thing.

Micky (Wahlberg) finds himself in the shadow of his family and a brother that once made it big in a fight with Sugar Ray Leonard. Since his brother's fight, he's been the one Micky always looked up to and the focus of the family. Dickie (Bale), his brother, has found himself in a slump, addicted to crack, and filming an HBO special that focuses on his "comeback." Micky learned eveything he knew from Dickie and has been with the family from the start of his own career. After losing a few fights a change needs to be made. A couple setbacks through his brother and a new girlfriend shape together to make a happy ending.

Although the story is based on Micky Ward the story focuses on his sourrounding cast. Alice (Leo), his mother, is convinced family comes first and cringes at the thought of not being listened to. Melissa Leo puts in an amazing performance portraying a woman that doesn't take shit from anybody. She's the type of woman that sees things in a straight line, and anything outside of that line is ridiculous. She always has that cigarette in her hand and her posse of daughters that support her more out of fear. Leo's performance along with Bale's is one to be looked at admirably.

Being not a big Christian Bale fan, I went into "The Fighter" with thoughts that Bale would make the film more dissapointing. What got me to like his character even more was a little part at the end showing an interview with Micky Ward and his brother. I could of sworn the two were identical which really made me enjoy Bale's role even more. A crack addict with a past that follows him, Christian puts in the right attitude and is really believeable.

Amy Adams is great and really attractive, again, but Micky's part of their relationship isn't showed very well. I understand the focus is on the story and not Micky himself that much, but it feels like he's almost disconnected from the story. He comes in for his fights, put his two cents into arguments but his character isn't powerful enough. This is not Mark Wahlberg's fault. He did an alright job with the parts he was given. Personally, I just wanted to see Micky and the boxing in general a little more lively.

All aside Micky Ward is a good story that was put together well. Overall, I just wanted a little bit more out of it, but I was entertained and liked "The Fighter" nonetheless.

Black Swan (2011)

Directed by Darren Aronofsky

Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder


Rating: 10/10



"Black Swan" by Darren Aronofsky is a great start for movies in the new year. Based around the theme of the classic ballet "The Black Swan", this movie is more than a depiction. The film actually centers around dancer/perfectionist Nina Sayers (Portman) and her road to getting the lead role in the play as the black/white swan. The pressure put on her is often overwhelming, which leads to a load of psychological problems all the way to the finale.

The character of Nina is by far the most interesting, as it should be. Her journey goes from working to get the lead role, receiving the role, and then perfecting the role. A ballet student for all her life following in her mother's "career," the opportunity to become truly noticed comes up and she takes it by storm. Coached by genius Thomas Leroy (Cassel), Nina has to force herself to be like someone she's not in playing the black swan. Nailing the role of the white swan with grace and vulnerability, she is forced to be reckless and powerful as the black swan. She slowly makes her way to becoming the role so much that it takes her over. From hallucinations to pure insanity she finds herself right where she started, being perfect.

Aside from Portman's stellar performance, Vincent Cassel is a key part of the film. I personally feel Cassel is really underrated in the roles he's been in. He has a powerful voice and a rugged accent that makes him seem like a big shot. Everything he does, no matter how inappropriate it may be at times, is to make this play a masterpiece. As a director he has to be admired and feared, making him an important factor to Nina's actions. Along with dancer Lily (Kunis), Nina's mind is brought to places she never imagined being in. Lily provides the part of being the ideal "black swan", providing jealousy that Leroy supports very well.

Kunis's performance surprised and impressed me as well. She plays a very demanding role as Nina's fantasy enemy. She is reckless and unique while at the same time being a pretty good dancer. Playing into Nina's hallucinations and real life, her tone is very convincing playing into both parts. Throughout the whole movie she was the only one who made me second guess what was actually going on in the movie.

Darren Aronofsky found a way to make me feel uncomfortable for almost the entire film. Definitely much darker than some of his latest films, the little things in "Black Swan" made me cringe. Blood was featured as a big part of the film, but it was never put in any gory feature. There was always just enough blood to get the point across and squint your eyes a little. The most uncomfortable scenes were the simple parts of clipping fingernails with a regular pair of scissors. The audible sound had me scared something terrible was coming very soon. These little things kept me attached and into the film more and more as it progressed.

"Black Swan" really makes you see how much pressure can be put on people at times. It can come from your friends, your boss, and most of the time the worst is the pressure you can put on yourself. This psychological thriller is one of Aronofsky's best, and I look forward to his future productions.

Invictus (2009)

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Rating: 6/10


It seems that all people enjoy hearing an inspiring story, especially ones that are based on a true story. I enjoy uplifting films, but "Invictus" didn't really do it for me. "Invictus" is based on Nelson Mandela and his actions to bring South Africa together as a nation through the sport of rugby. Entering his first-term as president, Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup to inspire his country and uplift their spirits as a whole. He established a bond with team captain Francois Pienaar and both men shared the same interests and hope for their country. Led by Francois, the South African team beat country after country to eventually make it to the championship.

To be honest, I was actually really disappointed with "Invictus." Nelson Mandela is an important figure in history, and I think that Morgan Freeman did a good job playing him. With that said, I thought the movie was boring. It seemed like the entire film was in slow-motion. The last scene of the movie is dragged on for roughly twenty minutes, just to get the point across that the South African rugby team is tough. I appreciate the sport without knowing much about it, however "Invictus" makes rugby look way more confusing.

Matt Damon gave a mediocre acting performance as Francois Pienaar as did Morgan Freeman playing Nelson Mandela. "Invictus" wasn't terrible; I just expected more out of it. When telling a story based on one of the most influential men in history, I expected to feel emotionally connected and entertained. Unfortunately, I wasn't.

Up in the Air (2009)

Directed by Jason Reitman

Rating 10/10



I went to my local theater and saw "Up in the Air" on December 30th, 2009. I definitely saved one of the best movies of the year for last. "Up in the Air" follows Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a very independent man whose job is to fire people. He brings his own professional style to the job and enjoys all the perks that come with it. He gets to travel around the United States and thrives on taking advantage of frequent flyer miles. The job gives him everything he wants; time for himself and no place to call "home." Throughout his job he comes across two women, Alex and Natalie, who change his life completely. At a local bar on one of his work trips, Ryan meets Alex (Vera Farmiga) and they instantly connect. They both get off on the idea of power and confidence. On the other hand, Natalie (Anna Kendrick) changes the way he handles his job. In their first meeting, Natalie is introduced to the company bringing a whole new spin to the job through technology. Her plan is to use webcams to fire people from their jobs, that way there is less money spent on traveling and everything is less stressful. Ryan hates the idea and eventually is forced to take Natalie with him on a job and "show her the ropes." What looked destined to be a terrible experience turns into a learning curve for both of their lives.

There are so many great things to say about this movie, I don't even know where to start. George Clooney impressed the hell out of me with his overall tone and emotions in a role that demanded a strong performance. I also give Jason Reitman a lot of credit for putting together such a great cast. Anna Kendrick hasn't been in the best of movies, however she seems like she is playing herself in this movie. She is the young, yet very professional woman who still sees life as a plan you could write down and live. Her acting is very natural and I look forward to seeing what she has to offer in the future.


Jason Reitman always finds a way to produce messages in his films that really make the audience think and emotionally connect to his movies. Technology is advancing so rapidly it's hard to appreciate what we had before, and at some points is a little excessive. Ryan's job is to fire people in a way that assures them that they will be fine. Doing so over a webcam doesn't provide that personal feeling that a direct face-to-face conversation entails. Today's economy is a very real issue, as companies are starting to crack down on cash being spent on "unneeded" things.


The connection between all of the actors in "Up in the Air" is phenomenal. Jason Bateman, Danny McBride, and Amy Morton make their own cameo appearances that seem very necessary. All of the scenes are very important and vital to the story. There is an ongoing part to the story where Clooney's character takes pictures of a cut-out of his sister and her fiancee in front of a collection of different historical places. It all starts off with the question of "why?" and ends with a simple answer. His sister and fiancee couldn't afford a honeymoon, so they wanted to be able to imagine themselves in all these attractions.

The littlest things in "Up in the Air" make this movie so great. I was thoroughly impressed and would recommend this movie to anyone with human emotions.

My Top 5 Movies of 2009

Here we go...my top 5 for 2009!



5. Funny People

Judd Apatow delivers his third film that fits right in with his first two. Funny People is a very funny, yet serious movie delivering all sorts of emotions to the viewer. Adam Sandler gives his best performance since "Punch-Drunk Love."





4. Inglourious Basterds

People will continue to dislike Tarantino because of his ego, but he makes some of the best movies around. Inglourious Basterds in no exception. With a brilliant screenplay and superior acting, Inglourious Basterds is a must-see. Christoph Waltz wins my award for best actor of 2009.





3. A Serious Man

Is it possible for the Coen brothers to make a bad movie? It hasn't happened yet. A Serious Man focuses on a man whose life starts falling apart after his wife decides she's leaving him. He finds himself in only bad situations and seeks help to see exactly what is wrong with him.




2. Up in the Air

I'm not the biggest George Clooney fan, however he really impressed me in "Up in the Air" by Jason Reitman. Clooney plays a man whose job is to travel around the U.S. and fire people from their jobs. Along the way he meets two women that change his life completely. In different ways they both change the way he looks at his job and life in general.




1. Fantastic Mr. Fox

How the cuss is "Fantastic Mr. Fox" not the best movie of 2009? Based on the classic kids book by Roald Dahl, the amazing Wes Anderson directs one of his best films to date using stop-motion animation. There is so much detail in the art of this film, I have no idea how it was even made. The writing is phenomenal producing comedy for kids and adults alike. I've seen this movie multiple times and I don't think I'll ever get tired of it.

Top Movies of 2009 #10-6

Numbers 10-6 on my top 15 movies of 2009



10. Moon

Sam Rockwell gives one of his best acting performances to date. Moon is one of the most original movies made in 2009 and is a very enjoyable film.






9. Whatever Works

Put hilarious comedian Larry David in a Woody Allen movie and fireworks go off. Whatever works is a funny, down to earth film that delivers with a "Who cares?" attitude.





8. The Hangover

The best selling and funniest comedy of the year featuring a relatively unknown cast. Comedian Zach Galifianakis puts himself on the map for an actor to look for in 2010.






7. Up

Pixar delivers another great animated film. If the first fifteen minutes of the movie don't get you at least a little teary-eyed, you're not a real person.






6. Ponyo

Hayao Miyazaki delivers another beautiful and soothing animated film, proving that he is still the best director of animated movies today.