Shutter Island

Rating: Bravo (rating scale)

First of all, I will admit it. I am a super duper fraidy cat! I cannot stand horror movies. I went to see this movie out of love and support for Leo and was ready to walk out the moment the movie got too intense. The trailers led me to believe this movie might be more than I could handle. That wasn't at all the case. Despite what the trailers show, this movie is categorically a thriller. I'd throw in the tag of mystery in there too, for good measure. Bottom line, Leonardo doesn't disappoint. Once again he draws you in, as the masterful hero playing actor he is. Leo is essentially on shutter island to investigate an escapee from the the asylum,... you know what? I don't want to be a spoiler. There is no really good way to tell you about this movie without giving away key elements of the "what the hell?" parts to the storyline. My advice, if you are up to having your mind messed with a bit I suggest you go see this movie. Nice job Leo! *applause*

Amreeka

Rating: Bravo (rating scale)

This movie was absolutely beautifully done! Now it is a fact that I am partial to independent flicks, my bias plays no role here. I can't express in simple words much I enjoyed this movie. Without giving you too much of the storyline, the movie begins with the newly divorced single mom Muna who lives in Palestine with her teenage son. Through an unexpected stroke of luck, they get the opportunity to come to the US to pursue the 'American Dream'. This movie gives a brilliant perspective on the pursuit of the American Dream that the average person perhaps never considers. Muna is truly a heroic woman... you will fall in love with this flick. Trust me. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. I was so captivated by this family, their struggles and triumphs that I honestly didn't want it end. Listen to me now and thank me later, go see this movie. :-)

District 9

Rating: eh (rating scale)

*sigh* where do I start? I really really wanted to LIKE this movie. I love sci-fi and I love history. The story line for this movie is presented as a documentary which makes it particularly more argumentably up my alley. But alas, I didn't love it. Truth be known, I didn't really like it all that much. District 9 was just ok to me. I know what you are thinking, the ratings are off the charts, everyone loves this film. Eh.. it just didn't do it for me. Maybe its because I was too quickly reminded up front how bad management decisions can have catasphrophic ramifications. This is no spoiler, but in the movie, the head dude selected to run the relocation program for the aliens, is only choosen for this very important role (and promotion) because his father in-law is a big wig that personally selected him. From there on in, gaffe after gaffe, stupid move after stupid move, I could only be brought back to the thought, 'see this is what happens when you put an incompetent clown in charge'. I guess in short, I felt completely annoyed throughout the flick... To make matters worse, the movie ended in a way that left this darn story WIDE open for a sequel. I'll wait for that one to hit cable.

Julie & Julia

Rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

Its never too late to be great! That's my summary of this movie. First of all, let it be known, I have a sincere bias here. Meryl Streep, to me, is the BEST ACTRESS ever known to industry. Don't challenge me ever on that FACT, unless you are prepared to risk our friendship. Back to the movie, its really a good movie. I enjoyed it thoroughly, but again I can see how this might not be a movie for everyone. But here's how you'll know if you will enjoy this movie: if you are a FOODIE you will dig this flick. And I mean a real FOODIE, not just someone who likes to EAT, that would make you an EATIE. Real FOODIES not only thoroughly enjoy eating, but they talk about meals they will have, they reminisce about meals they have had, and furthermore, they COOK. I'm not saying they are gourmets, but real FOODIES such as myself, cook and cook well, because, hey we love FOOD and must do it justice. But I digress, quite simply, this is a movie for the FOODIE. You end up learning so many interesting factoids about the legendary Julia Child that by the end of the movie she feels less like a gourmet super hero and more like your fun and crazy old aunt. FOODIES unite and go see this movie. You can thank me later for this recommendation with a cupcake or a BBQ'd short rib or something. :-)

Orphan

Orphan

Rating: eh+ (rating scale)

Yeah that's an eh plus, although I thoroughly enjoyed this flick, I recognize that its not everyone's cup of tea. First things first, this movie is NOT a scary movie. Yes its darn and distrubing, but some how comical or at least to me and the quirky audience members of the theater in which I saw this movie. Yes that's right folks, either I have a sick sense of humour or this movie has some seriously funny momements. Yeah its the latter, I'm sure of it. I've position this movie as, if you are the type to watch and enjoy Law and Order type tv programs, you'll enjoy this film. Seriously, I can't emphasize enough that this movie it NOT scary at all. Creepy yes, scary not so much.

The Proposal

Rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

Here's the thing, while I love chick lit, I'm not a big fan of chick flicks. But this movie was actually a cut above the typical chick flick and therefore is a great date movie. Sandra Bullock is hiliarious as ever and that Ryan Reynolds is total eye candy. Betty White is also a fun character in the cast. The premise of the movie, albeit quite absurd, really draws you in. In case you are unfamiliar, (no spoiler here) Sandra Bullock's character is a powerful publishing executive who is also a canadian citizen with pending US citizenship. Through an unfortunate, well kinda, mishap on her part, her citizenship application is denied and she is informed that she will deported. Which of course, is when she pulls in her assistant (Ryan Reynolds), who absolutely despises her, to marry her... I really enjoyed this film. I don't want to give it all away, so be sure to check it out when you get the chance. You won't be sorry.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Rating: CLASSIC (rating scale)

This was certainly the best harry potter movie yet. I do believe,however, you must be an ardent HP fan to really 'get' and appreciate the brilliance of this movie. Since I am one, this movie is a true CLASSIC to me. Absolutely fantastically done. *applause here*

UP

Up

Rating: eh (rating scale)

Its a cute movie. Some good life lessons embedded in the storyline and dialogue. However, it wasn't quite a funny as the previews led me to believe it would be. Plus, it was kinda short. It seemed like it was missing about another 20 minutes. Or maybe I'm too conditioned to watching human beings on screen as opposed to animation.

Star Trek

Star Trek

Rating: CLASSIC (rating scale)

Seriously, I contend that this is the best movie I have seen all YEAR! The great thing is that you do not have to be a Trekkie to love it. I for one am a Trekkie not total geek show up to convention Trekkie, but well versed enough to get the inside jokes and references across the generations of star trek TV shows. The movie just gripes you within the first 45 seconds and you are hooked from there. I kid you not. Its exciting, its hilarious (like seriously laugh out loud tears in the corners of your eyes hilarious), its sentimental (a little romance and *gasp* bromance action).. its simply a classic; an absolutely, fantastic, well done movie that's well worth your precious dollar bills and time! I cannot endorse this movie enough!

Taken

Taken

Rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

How about if you are looking for a suspenseful action flick, this is your movie! I'm telling you, they didn't spare a minute on making this movie exciting to watch. Who knew Liam Neeson had it in him? There's not much more I can say about this movie without giving away the story line. But trust me you will be thoroughly entertained! I promise!

I'm back!

Hey Folks! I'm back!! 2008 was like a non year for blogging and 2009 is almost over. Its not that I ran out of random thoughts.. just that I had too many of them to record. So I decided to focus. From here on in, or until I change my mind or get lazy, I'm going to focus on my true love well one of them. MOVIES. That's right folks. No need to go to the cranky overpaid critics for an opinion of what movie to see. I'll give it ya straight, no chaser!

Enjoy!

Talk to me

rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

The original shock jock, Petey Greene. Seriously, with menot being a native Washingtonian, I had no idea what to expect from this film. What got me into the theater to see this flick wat the one and only Don Cheadle, who in my opinion is on of the best actors in hollywood who rarely gets the credit he deservies for his genius. Don Cheadle did not disapoint. This movie is ridiculous and hilarious yet deeply moving and poignant at the sametime. I'm not sure what the other movie critics are saying about this film, but certainly gets the butterrfly stamp of approval.

Oceans 13

rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

If you are looking to laugh outloud you certainly need to hit the theater immediately to see this movie. In terms of dialog and witty banter this movie beats 12 and dare I say 11 (the classic remake **gasp**). The thing about it is that there are no surprises, you kinda know what's going on the whole time. The plot has the same superthief 'we are 4 steps ahead of you' elements that makes those criminals so gosh darn loveable. But despite the fact that you completely know how the story will play out, since they tell it all to you up front, its a great movie. They replaced thrills and suspense with pure com-moe-dee! Trust the butterrfly, you will enjoy this flick.

Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End

rating: eh plus (rating scale)
First of all.. Let me forewarn you. Be sure to get extra ice in your soda and make sure the a/c is on FULL BLAST when you see this in the theater, because that Orlando Bloom is smoking hot! I'm talking muy caliente jalepeno popper. Whew! Yeah, Orlando has definitely been drinking milk. He has come a long way since his elfin magic looks in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I was tempted to give this movie a BRAVO based on the Orlando Bloom hottie factor alone. Double whew!!

Okay.. back the movie. Honestly, I'm going to lay it out for you... this storyline will never end! Disney is making a killing on the PoC movie series! If you were one of the people, like me, who was disappointed by that question mark feeling you had at the end of of PoC 2.. I will tell you this movie is slightly better than that. A few questions are answered however, even more questions are posed. Seriously, they (Disney) will be making PoC movies until Johnny and/or Orlando cries uncle. Don't get me wrong, the movie is extremely entertaining. John Depp, aka Cap'n Jack Sparrow, will make you laugh out loud! That woozy drunken sissy girl run he does is still good for a laugh. His comedic timing is still second to none. Also, Keira Knightley's character is a bit more tolerable in this sequel, no more faux fainting spells to detract/attract attention. No no no, she certainly has found her girl power in this flick.

Don't get me wrong. You will be entertained. However, be prepared to know that it ain't over there will be another. Plus for your own sanity, I strongly suggest that you catch PoC 1 & 2 on cable preferably the morning or night before you go to see PoC 3. The storyline is very involved there are subtle nuances and hints that can be easily missed if the scenes from the prior two movies are not fresh in your mind. But above all, be ready for that Orlando Bloom. Once again in a word, HOT! triple whew!!!

Spiderman 3

rating: eh plus (rating scale)

This flick has all the special effects, dynamic fight scenes, thrills and suspense that you would expect from a Spiderman flick. The dialog and storyline isn't all that brilliant, its more of the same ole stuff.. seriously all three movies are starting to run together for me, but somehow I was thoroughly entertained. It certainly doesn't challenge you intellectually, but that not what a summertimeblockbuster is all about now is it. seriously, if you are a marvel comics fan or just a big kid wearing masquerading as an adult you'll enjoy this flick. My personal favorite scenes were Toby, aka Peter Parker, showing his alter ego, bopping through the streets of NYC like John Travolta in Saturday Night Live. lol.. that wasn't a spoiler -there are plenty of funny moments.. but geez you will laugh out loud to those 'cool Peter Pparker' scenes.

The Namesake

Rating: eh (rating scale)

This movie is from the indie flick side of life. Now before I go on, I will let you know that I am VERY biased because I read the book and absolutely LOVED it. I loved it so much that I gave the book as a christmas gift to a few folks this past year! It is ruly a favorite of mine. What's more interesting is that the reason I went out and bought and read the Namesake is because I first saw an early preview for the movie sometime last year. With all that said, it is really a twist in irony that I was so utterly disappointed with the way the editing team decided to butcher this storyline. I thought the movie kinda sucked. :-( But again I'm biased and I'm comparing what the movie was to what I know it could've been based on my knowledged gained from reading the book.

Now here's the twist for you, if you haven't read the book, go see this movie, you will enjoy it. Honestly, the character nuances that endear you to the storyline are absent but the basic storyline is there and it will be interesting for you because you simply don't know what you are missing. However, if you have read the book WAIT until this flick shows up on cable otherwise prepare to be annoyed.

Disturbia

rating BRAVO minus (rating scale)

Well the thing about this movie, you sort of know exactly what is up the whole time but the thrills, suspense and humour trump the predicable storyline. "The suspicious next door neighbor.. could he be *gulp* a serial killer???" The movie has a sort of a scooby doo mystery meets a high tech hardy boys/nancy drew kinda charm. Towards the end of the flick, I was waiting for the classic scooby doo line, "...and I would have gotten away with it ...if it weren't for those meddling kids!!!". But alas that didn't happen.

Seriously folks, this movie is surprisingly entertaining. Its not going to get an oscar ... well maybe a nomination or two for lighting and special effects. However, believe me when I tell you that Shia LeBeauf is going places, his acting is convincing and real. I enjoyed this flick. I think you will too. It doesn't rate quite on par with my true BRAVO picks.. hence the minus... but you will be entertained. Trust me. I wouldn't steer you wrong on this.

Premonition

Rating: eh (rating scale)
yeah.. "eh" pretty much sums it up. Its an intriguing concept, 'I wake up one day Jim [my husband] is dead.. I wake up the next he's dead'. The movie starts off interestingly enough and you are actually drawn in. But, I will spoil this for you so stop here if you still plan to see this movie. At no point do they give you any explaination as to how or why she flipped back and forth through time. The movie had the potential to be an eerie thriller or even a science fantasy flick.. but it fizzled torward the middle then totally ran out of steam. I guess that's what really annoyed me with this flick plus the ending stunk. yeah.. you should definitely wait for the lifetime run of this movie.. this seems like a movie they would play 5x over on a Sunday. But don't waste your $$$ its totally not worth the movie ticket.

Babel

Rating: BRAVO (rating scale)

Okay, yeah..don't get it twisted. I am still a card carrying member of TEAM ANISTON, however I had to see this movie which stars Brad Pitt the other night to get an understanding of what all of the golden globe/ocar award nomination hoop-la is all about. Believe it or not there are still some theaters showing this flick. Anyway, the storyline is complicated, gritty and at times a tad graphic, however the you can't turn away for it at the very least is gripping. The most random act starts a chain of seemingly unrelated castastrophes. Yeah.. its a good flick. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Quite an entertaining movie but since it will probably be out of the theaters by the weekend, consider this for your next blockbuster/netflix night in. Trust me.. you know I would never steer you wrong.

Stomp the yard

Note from the editor: This movie review was orginally submited with a rating of "BRAVO-CLASSIC" however, it was the opinion of the editor that such rating does NOT reflect the caliber of movie rated BRAVO or above by this publication. Hence the rating was reduced to a BRAVO minus"

* review submitted by: VEE GEE *

Rating: BRAVO minus (rating scale)

OK. I know what you are saying "Are you serious?" but I assure you I am. I'll be the first to admit that my secret guilty pleasure is every now and again partaking in a straight to video worthy "blaxploitation film of the millennium" (think "Soul Plane"). It is also worth mentioning that I am a sucker for a dance/choreography-involved movie (still searing over the fact I never got to see "Step Up" - pardon me as I suck my teeth.) So when I purchased my matinee price ticket for STOMP THE YARD - I was indeed looking forward to two hours of potentially racially degrading, shuckin' and jivin'-ish material, infused with creative music and dance moves we haven't seen since the likes of Leroy from "Fame".

The fact that ever present poster girl for "Ghetto Flicks", Meghan Good (who stank up the place more than usual in this summer's "Waist Deep" along side the equally smelly, yet oh so fine, Tyrese seemed a definite assurance of my expectations)Boy was I wrong! What I experienced in the East NY Magic Johnson Multiplex (the only place it was showing. LOL) was a thoroughly entertaining, enjoyable cinematic experience that I did not want to end! The music and the moves were great! Columbus Short, the lead (who I understand from my 17 year old teeny bopper sister is of Disney Channel fame) - was a delight! But in addition to all that, they even had a half way decent story line with , get this, a positive message. I KNOW! It was phenomenal (yes I said phenomenal). It was part "U Got Served", part "Bring It On" with a dash of "School Daze" thrown in for good measure.and it came together beautifully.As a bonus the cast was great.

Columbus Short in a word AWESOME (he did his own dancing/stunts)..that choreographer guy from Soul Food (you know "pop-n-lock" - yeah I thought he was somewhere flipping biscuits for a living too.. but apparently he's been busy) was in it doing his thaa-ang. Teens will be pleased to see singing sensation Chris Brown among the credits. and my girl "Big Didi" from the now defunct UPN series "Half and Half" was representing (sadly with the same wig from the show - but eh.. limited budgets what can ya do).. Oh plus there were cameos from Keith Sweat and if I'm not mistaken.. Rickey Bell from New Edition, BBD fame.. OK I'll wrap up there. In my opinion.. not only is it worth the cost of a full price ticket plus snacks.. I'd say get the DVD too so you can watch it over and over again - perhaps pick up some of those snazzy moves to demo "L'il Magic style" at your next Par-Tay!