The Other Guys (2010)

If you are fan of Will Ferrel, you will most likely enjoy this one. If you are fan of Mark Wahlberg, you may not enjoy his attempt at comedy. It fell flat for me. If you like Samuel L. Jackson or Dwayne Johnson, you will enjoy the first parts of the story. If you are Yankee fan, you may not. If you are a fan of Michael Keaton, you may not like his choice of character here. If you are fan of Eva Mendes you might like this.

While there are a few good laughs this story plays like an over-long SNL sketch. But that is the case with most Ferrel movies in my opinion. They take a good thing to far and dwell on what was funny the first time or two, too long.

The PG-13 rating is a bit weak if you ask me. There are enough sexual references to make parents wish they had not watched this with their teens.

Watch this with a guy between the ages of 18 and 28.

Shrek Forever After (2010)

Not just more of the same. Actually this was better than I expected. Somehow the creative team behind this franchise keep coming up with something new. Allegedly this is the last in the series, but after doing over $235M at the domestic box office, I wonder.

All the regulars returned to lend their voices to this now classic series. And, as usual they do a great job. There are even a few newcomers. But I suggest you watch the DVD's special features to learn who.

I must say, I love what they did for and to Rumplestiltskin. Anyone who has read the original version of his story know how close they came to capturing the creator's intent.

This movie is fine for families and even most small kids. The PG rating is based on some potentially scary scenes and animated violent battle scenes.

Watch this movie with someone who is a good sport when it comes to fracturing fairy tales.

Seven (1995)

Brad Pitt really CAN act. Or, he could back when this movie was made.

Morgan Freeman is very convincing as a cop. But then again, has he ever picked a bad script or been anything less than convincing in a role?

Kevin Spacey is totally creepy, pretty much as always, and is the perfect bad guy even though he gets only a few minutes of screen time.

This is both a psycho thriller and a murder mystery. More shock-thriller than mystery. Gladly it was made 15 years ago so it's was not the gross-out murder movie it might have been today. This is instead a very smart movie with some very disturbing material.

If you missed this back when it was in the theaters, as I did, see it soon. This is a great example of how very smart movies are made. If you have not seen this in the last 15 years, watch it again and see how much Pitt has changed and how little Freeman and Spacey have.

The Graduate (1967)

It was the late 60s and conformity was on the way out. Raging against 'the machine' was becoming very popular. Rebelling against parental expectations was at an all-time high. This movie is about all those things. Forget teen-angst, this movie is about 20-something angst.

Normally a movie where all the early main characters are totally self-absorbed and without redeeming values, is not a good movie. But Director Mike Nichols is a genius. he does not bring in the story's redeeming value character until late in the story. By then the fear and loathing are complete. The delightful doe-eyed character played by Katherine Ross is SO welcome by the time she is introduced, the movie is then worth finishing, and not a moment too soon.

This is an old movie and much has been said about it. All I want to add is that as hard as the first half of this movie is to watch, the payoff in the last few moments is worth it. Believe it or not, this a romance story. Boy get's girl, then boy gets girl's daughter. OH!

Dustin Hoffman appears in his first starring role here. Has he changed much? And who knew he was 14 years younger than Ross. Does not show up here on camera.

Watch this movie with someone very patient who also has a love for good movie making.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)

This is a fairly fun spin this classic tale. Adding to Merlin-lore is best done carefully, and this crew does a respectable job.

Nicolas Cage plays the centuries old Balthazar (a former apprentice of Merlin himself) who searches for a young man to pass the torch on to, so-to-speak. Jay Baruchel plays that young man, and is fun watch and worthy successor in the Merlin. I would hope to see some sequels. Alfred Molina plays the main bad guy, and is his usual delightful self. The rest of the supporting case is up to par with the stars.

While this is not a cinematic masterpiece by any means, it is a fun movie to watch with good characters and great funny moments. There are some very respectful nods to the animated version for those who have seen it and remember.

The PG rating is appropriate and this is a good family show.

Watch this movie with your favorite science nerd.

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

This is not your father's dragon movie, and not because of the outstanding CG. Jay Baruchel is the voice of a kid who has a "al dente pasta" body who also happens to be the son of a viking clan leader. His father is voiced by Gerard Butler.

What this movie has going for it, in addition to the great animation, is an unusual story, with an unexpected finish. No spoilers here, but not everyone lives happy ever after. As is the case with many current movies for kids, this movie is partially about parent/child drama. And this story might resonate well with kid's who are stressed about not meeting their parents expectations.

There are some great funny bits and a few more tender moments. But the real hook for me were the surprises. For example, it was no surprise that the kid feeds the hurt dragon a fish. But, having the dragon barf back a chunk to share with the kid, and his reaction, was priceless. This movie is full of that kind of treasure.

Watch this movie with family in the room.

Barry Munday (2010)

Maybe, just maybe, if you are a guy between the ages of 17 and 27 you will relate the main character. If you keep reading and still relate to the guy, my apologies.

In my mind a movie has to have at least 1 character that is likable to make it. In my opinion, this movie does not. You may not agree. The main character is a socially retarded, sexually clueless, guy within a few years of turning 30.

Pretty much all the main characters are pathetic losers and situation is plausible but a little far fetched. Do we really have to dumb down our storytelling to sell tickets? I hope not.

Don't watch this movie unless you lost a bet.

Iron Man 2 (2010)

How does a movie that cost $200M make money? Star power, special effects, surprises, and a pretty good story. This movie has them all and made more than 50% back on the opening weekend. How nice for the suits in Hollywood.

The sequel itself was better than I expected and a lot of fun to watch. I can highly recommend the Blue-ray version with the surround sound turned WAY up.

Robert Downey Jr returns as the barely-in-control Tony Stark. Supposedly his character is based on the Oracle founder Larry Ellison who has a cameo role to go along with his liberal product name placement throughout the film.

Gwyneth Paltrow returns as Pepper Potts and gets her shot at the top spot. No spoilers here.

My favorite new character is played by Scarlett Johansson. Her boss is played deliciously by Samuel L. Jackson.

Don Cheadle comes on board as Rhodes. I actually like his version better.

Mickey Rourke clearly did his homework here. Best thing he has done in a long time.

Watch this movie with someone who will enjoy sitting back, turning it up, and rock(et)ing OUT!

The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)

Mel Gibson at 26. Sigourney Weaver at 32. Linda Hunt at 37. All are a bit older now and have done some very popular, and not so, work.

Linda Hunt won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar here, and her character is the fulcrum point for the other 2 main characters played well by Mel and Sigourney. Bottom line, this is a story about learning to give up whats urgent for what's important.

It is beautifully photographed and set to music. The characters who come and go are well set for the story. While it is a difficult story to watch at times, it is a fairly historical look into a time in another country most of us are totally unfamiliar with.

The best way to watch this movie is to put yourself in the place of one of the 3 main characters and ask yourself what you would have done in their place.

Watch this movie with someone who may not be familiar with how international news was reported prior to the internet.

Lone Star (1996)

A good friend recommended this to me recently, and he was right, its is a very good movie. There are actually multiple interconnected stories going on in this small Texas town. But isn't that the case with all small towns?

Chris Cooper plays a reluctant county sheriff who is haunted by the ghosts of the two previous sheriffs. Not literally a ghost story, but close enough. Elizabeth Peña plays a school teacher who is haunted by the romantic memory of Cooper's character. Kris Kristofferson and Matthew McConaughey play the two former sheriffs who hated each other.

This story is both a murder mystery and a love story. Behind both are parent-child relations. Connecting the two plot lines are eco-political scheming, inter-racial relations, some very submerged rage, and some great lines. The acting is superb and the music is classic tex-mex. Toss in a bit historical reality and you have a very interesting story.

Watch this movie with someone who forgets they have immigrant ancestors.

Three Kings (1999)

About half way between now and the liberation of Kuwait a very interesting movie was made. What was it all about? Who can say for sure.

George Clooney plays a Special Forces officer who tends to color outside the lines. Mark Wahlberg plays a soldier who helps Clooney's character steal gold that Saddam stole from Kuwait. Ice Cube and Spike Jonze also play unconventional soldiers who help. So who are the Three Kings? No spoilers here, watch and find out.

While it does get a little preachy at times, the action and the comedy are there if you are paying attention. It is not such a terrible thing to hear what might have been the point of view of some at the time on both sides of the conflict.

Watch this movie with someone who thinks war is all about honor and glory.