Odd Thomas

Based in the novel by Dean Koontz. A happy town plagued by something evil, and the only man that can stop it is a man who can see ghosts and all other evil things.

Partly I was most excited for Anton Yelchin, and William Defoe. I found they played very well together, and all in all, were the highlight of the film. The other characters were a bit transparent, or poor actors. Dropping the overall quality of the movie, but I still found that Yelchin and Defoe made it enjoyable.

The overall story is interesting and a bit mysterious. The overall concept was something to be excited about, and the portrayal of things that are not of this world were most intriguing. 

I would say this movie is worth a rental, it's a good thriller for a paranormal-thriller junkie. I would enjoy more Odd Thomas in the future.

Year: 2013

Silver Linings Playbook

A brilliant screenplay where Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence come together in a dysfunctional friendship - having more in common that either one knows. Simply, two very lost people, who find their way out again only by getting lost in the other. Both have broken families, lives, and marriages.
A great depiction of a dysfunctional family searching for a way to come together.

Both characters contain a detailed and very interesting backstory that makes you love them all the more.  Superstition and healing plays a big part in this movie - all waged against a major bet.

Actors: DeNiro, B. Cooper, J. Lawrence.
Rating: R
Year: 2012

Gangster Squad

No names. No badges. No mercy. 

1949: One of my most favorites eras, filled with classic cars, and gangsters. You take your typical american gangster, and make him kind of L.A. there's a good chance that a few good men might have a problem with that. Now, take a couple decent actors, make a soft ambiance from the 1950's and throw in a little action. And that's all this movie really is.

Now, that being said, it doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. As sometimes mediocre movies are meant to entertain us just for a short while - they aren't meant to change our lives or string along some epiphany.

The feeling of the 50's is there, and it's well done. Josh Brolin plays a great character of a man still clinging to habits of war. And the story, is just enjoyable.

Year: 2013
Actors: Brolin, Gosling, Penn
Rating: R

The Campaign

Two comedic geniuses: Zach Galifianakis, and Will Ferrell. Both of whom have a unique type of comedy, a type which you have to be open to accept. You have Zach's character: Marty, a dim-witted, down to earth, innocent type of guy. Faced against Cam Brady, a typical politician used to doing things the dirty way. Both go head to head and play in their own ways.

It's your typical right or wrong tale - braised with comedy and baby punching.

I wouldn't watch it a second time, but my personal taste usually doesn't care for this type of humor. Why it is funny, I found maybe one or two scenes actually made me laugh.

Year: 2012
Rating: R
Additional Actors: Jason Sudeikis, (the yummy) Dylan McDermott, & John Lithgow

Life of Pi

A visually stunning film. One that leaves you mildly wondering between fact and fiction. Alas, you find yourself watching an interaction that you would normally deem unimaginable; a boy and a tiger, adrift at sea.

Religion, God, Humans, and Animals all play an enormous part of this film. While a boy holds onto faith, he learns what is inside him, and what can be deep inside others as well.

"Based on the best-selling novel by Yann Martel, is a magical adventure story centering on Pi Patel, the precocious son of a zoo keeper. Dwellers in Pondicherry, India, the family decides to move to Canada, hitching a ride on a huge freighter. After a shipwreck, Pi finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a 26-foot lifeboat with a zebra, a hyena, an orangutan and a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, all fighting for survival."  (As read on IMDB)

Year: 2012
Rating: PG
Quotes: "Believing in everything is the same as believing in nothing."

Wreck It Ralph

 The story of a regular guy just looking for a little wreck-ognition.

Classic heroic story that Disney brings to the life of arcade games. My main attraction to this film is the comedic actors that I don't mind supporting: Sarah Silverman, John C. Riley, & Jane Lynch. The film comes full circle with classic games we know and love up to today's modern standards of a first-person shooter.

The story was cute and pleasing to all ages. The digital era filled this movie with vibrant colors, and incredible movement. All while inflicting comedy - and a pleasant story. Granted, its a classic longing hero story something commonly done again, and again. But alas enjoyable, even worth a second watch. But there's more than one way to be a hero.

Year: 2012
Rating: PG

John Carter

Lost in Our World. Found in Another. 

Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote the original story for John Carter of Mars. There were several sequels and additions, comics, movie adaptations and stories. But Disney did a great job of portraying the story in all it's originality, and finesse.With decent acting, and storyline, I found this movie enjoyable to watch.

Two battling countries on the planet Mars, and the only one to stop them is a man from Earth. The original concept and story is vastly interesting. Burroughs did not fall short of imagination, and Disney portrayed that through red skin and tall barbarians.

John Carter had quite the reputation just like a Lord of the Rings, or Star Wars film would, as it held a dedicated audience, granted a smaller audience, but dedicated nonetheless. And when I inquired to old fan, as to if they like the new film, they said it was great, and they couldn't have been happier.

Year: 2012
Rating: PG-13
Actors: Taylor Kitsch, & William Defoe as Tars Tarkas