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.

Law Abiding Citizen

Can you have a movie with no good guys? Can a story about "good versus evil" work when there is little or no "good"? Does "evil versus different evil" work? My answer is yes, it can, but it's not easy to pull of well. This movie comes pretty close.

Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx square off against each other intellectually and legally in this story of vengeance and justice. At least that is how one side sees it. Butler plays a very smart contract killer who watches as the justice system in Philadelphia lets the killer of his family walk. He plans his attack on the system for 10 years.

For the most part the whole thing is very plausible but some of the specific details are sometimes sketchy. If you can suspend belief for a little while this is a very interesting story.

Watch this movie with someone who might like to see the justice system get a black eye.

Gamer

This is a cross between popular Sim games, first person shooter (FPS) games, and extreme ultimate fights. When a mad genius gets richer than Bill Gates on technology that allows some people to pay to control other people via the Internet, what is the reasonable level to take it to?

Yup, you guessed it, prisoner on prisoner warfare with live rounds. Survival means freedom. Oh, that is not what you thought? No worries, that's what Hollywood is for. Put thoughts in our heads we would not otherwise get. Ha!

The makers of the audience-assault Crank series take the above-mentioned fan favorites to levels beyond our imaginations. And I have to say "well done". This is an interesting story told as only they would do it. Thanks guys.

Gerard Butler plays a convicted murderer plays a live-action full-battle game called Slayers. If he survives a few more battles he'll gain his freedom. Multiple twists come into play as well. The designer of the game, played perfectly evil by Michael C. Hall, does not want to let him win. There is also a group of underground tech-pirates who hack the system.

So, is this movie for YOU? If you are any two of the following: male, 17 to 20-something years old, into video games, into ultimate fighting, into cutting edge digital imaging, or have the hots for either of the stars, in a word, yes, you will like this movie. The rest should watch at their own risk.

Watch this movie with someone who matches as much of the above list as you can find and then watch their total delight.

Dear Frankie

Ever seen a story that someone wished so hard for something, and actually pretended it was true, that it actually happened? Some say that is what life is all about. Law of attraction? Power of positive thinking? This is a charming little story that combines all those elements.

Emily Mortimer plays a Mom who takes her son to Scotland to get away from a bad home situation. In the process she tells him his father is a sailor and they await his return. However the ship she names has troubles and does not return to port for some time.

Jack McElhone plays the son and does an outstanding job in his first full-length project.

Gerard Butler plays the actor hired to be the boy's son.

The real stars of the story are the quirky fun town's folk who know and see all.

Watch this movie with someone you like to sit quietly with.