The Social Network Didn't see this one in the theaters, but caught it on PPV right before Oscar night. I was glad that we checked it out because it made the battle between this and King's Speech better during the telecast. We enjoyed this movie. Being a movie based on recent history that we've experienced made it more interesting for me. Mark Zuckerberg as a character was a real jerk, so it was hard to relate to that. His friend was a more likeable and enjoyable character and he's the one that got screwed over. I thought that Justin Timberlake did a real good job with what he had to work with. I'd suggest a viewing of this, but definitely think the Academy got the Best Picture right with the movie below. Spydey 7.5/10 and the Mrs. 7.5/10 2/27/11
The King's Speech Our first movie for this year's Oscar prep was this excellent period drama. It was a good historical story with great acting that made for a very good time. I really like Geoffrey Rush, and he was awesome in his character. Along with Colin Firth, these two should be up for some hardware this award season. I'd suggest checking this one out in the theaters, it's that much fun. If you don't, definitely see it on DVD. Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 8/10 1/20/11 Red We really enjoyed this movie! It had good actors, lots of action, and many funny parts. It'd been a while since we've been to see a movie in the theaters and this was the perfect one to head back for. John Malkovich really steals the scenes he's in with both craziness and comedy. I'm not sure you need to run out and see this at the multiplex, but I definitely recommend it for DVD viewing when it comes out. You'll like it, I'm sure. Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 8/10 10/28/10
Get Him To The Greek Hilarious! Very funny movie that was well cast and did a good job with the story. This is a sequel of sorts to Forgetting Sarah Marshall. The rock star, Aldous Snow, that was in that movie is the main character in this one. It's a 3 day trip from London to the Greek Theater in LA for a comeback concert. A small time record intern must get the star to LA, the hilarity ensues. P. Diddy does an amazing job with his performance. Reminded me of Tom Cruise's part in Tropic Thunder. If you can, see this one. Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 8/10 6/7/10
Iron Man 2 Alright! A new Iron Man movie. The first summer blockbuster was a great adventure. We'd been waiting for this one since the end of the first one, and I wasn't disappointed. They had a decent story and added some new Marvel mythology to carry on into their new movies coming out in the next few years (Thor, Captain America, The Avengers). I felt that it could have had a bit more action parts, but when there was action it was good. We hit this one with comic book movie buddy Travis and his girlfriend. It was a great night for everyone. If this is still in the theaters, see it. If not, rent it. It's good. Spydey 9/10 and the Mrs. 9/10 5/7/10
Hot Tub Time Machine Very funny movie! It was like Back to the Future time travel with Superbad high school hijinx. All four of the time travelers were well cast and the story was constructed well, which made for a great adventure. I know this review is late, so you must rent this On Demand or in your video store. You won't be disappointed, lots of fun. Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 8/10 3/31/10
Sherlock Holmes A great adventure was in store for us at this movie. It was a movie that was a lot of fun. Downey and Law were perfect together as Holmes and Watson. Some may think the fighting and violence was not Sherlock Holmes, but it made for a great time in the multiplex. If you don't get out to see this in the theaters before it's gone, I definitely recommend a DVD or HBO viewing! Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 8/10 2/3/10
Up in the Air It's Oscar time, and this one's getting some talk for being up for some biggies. We decided this would be movie one for 2010. We liked the less than two hour running time too. George Clooney is a great actor and I for one like to watch him act. He really carried the movie, but there are two solid female actors with him. The other supporting parts were actors that you would recognize, so an all around solid cast. The Mrs. mentioned that there were parts that needed to move a bit, but there were also some laugh out loud moments too. It's a good movie that tells a good story, what more could you ask for. I suggest catching this on DVD or HBO, but definitely worth seeing. Spydey 8.5/10 and the Mrs. 8.5/10 1/20/10
Avatar With Christian, Zach, and Yvette along, Spydey and the Mrs. took in our first flick in 4 months! The only way to come back was Avatar in 3D. The scenery and backdrop of the world of Pandora was worth the price of admission. First 3D movie I've seen in a theater in forever, and this one was different to begin with. The 3D only enhances the pictures on the screen. No swords, bullets or bomb parts flying at your head. It's used to increase your feeling of being on Pandora. It was very cool. The Mrs. liked the story more than I did, and that is reflexed in our scoring below. This movie is a must see in the theaters with the glasses and for the last three weekends, it looks like people are. Spydey 9/10, and the Mrs. 10/10, and the Zach 10/10, and the Yvette 8/10, and the Christian 8.5/10 12/26/09
(500) Days of Summer Anniversary night date movie for us, and we loved it. A very different kind of romantic comedy. It's like the narrator says in the beginning, it's a story of boy meets girl but NOT a love story. Very well done and well cast. It moved along quite well at 97 minutes, which was enough to tell the story without getting bogged down in the brutalness of it all! And there is some brutalness involved with the main character Tom. If you don't make it to the theaters for this, definitely check it out on rental or HBO. You'll like it. Spydey 9/10 and the Mrs. 9/10 8/19/09
Transformers Revenge of the Fallen: Grade A summer blockbuster fare. We finally made it out to this one and was surprised how full the theater was. No wonder it's doing boffo box office. Director Michael Bay likes to blow stuff up and kinda have a story that goes along with the explosions. There's some story gaps and continuity issues throughout, but overall a very enjoyable movie. If you like the robot fights, you'll need to see this one in the theaters. It just won't be the same on the small screen at home. They have definitely set it up for another installment. Spydey 7/10 and the Mrs. 7.5/10 7/18/09
The Hangover Funny movie of guy's bachelor party in Vegas that goes completely off the tracks. Funniest character was Alan, played by Zach Galifianakis. Like they said in the movie, he's too stupid to be insulted, which makes for some hilarious dialogue. I remember him from 2005's The Comedians of Comedy (good stuff). One thing I wish I hadn't done before going was seeing all the trailers and sneak peeks. I felt that many times I'd already seen stuff, just not in the right order. Quick 90 minute run with the action pretty fast moving and a nice solid finish. I'd see this one in the theaters if I were you. Spydey 9/10 and the Mrs. 6/10 6/10/09
Star Trek An amazing reboot of a classic series, the new Star Trek movie rocks. Both Trekkies and newbies will enjoy this go 'round. The casting was perfect and for movies like these, where the characters have been known before that's a must. All the major characters were perfectly portrayed and the story was tight and well done. The Romulans are the baddies in this one and there's some time travel and intergalactic misunderstandings involved in the story as well. Of course, right? Easily the best Star Trek since the Wrath of Khan in 1982. I really like where this new group is going and look forward to their next adventure. This is one you hit the theaters for. Enjoy! Spydey 9/10 and the Mrs. 8.5/10 5/14/09
X-Men Origins: Wolverine: Movie night again, and this one we'd been waiting for. Another comic book movie adventure with Travis joining Brooke and I at Carmike for caramel corn (Brooke and me) and Snow Caps (Travis). Awesome flick! I can't understand the reviews that this movie is getting from some people. I think Dark Knight really warped how critics 'view' comic book movies. DK was a one of a kind masterpiece. Wolverine is the back story on one of comics greatest characters and it's very well done. Like Brooke said when we left, the character is such a likable one, it's easy to root for him. Actors Jackman (Wolverine) and Schreiber (Sabretooth) carried this movie along with great mutant characters and a surprise cameo at the end. Good stuff. I highly recommend this for theater viewing, amazing CGI and fight scenes. If you go, stay until after all the credits. There's a scene added to the very end just like they did for Iron Man last year (two different scenes depending on the theater you're in). It's becoming a Marvel movie tradition. Spydey 8/10, the Mrs. 9/10 and the Travis 9/10 5/7/09
I Love You, Man: What a funny movie! We've become big Paul Rudd fans, and he didn't let us down again. Funny guy flick that doubles as a great date movie with the movie relationships between Paul's character and his fiancée and his new best friend. I would recommend a theater viewing for this if you like, it will also be good on second viewing from video or cable. The casting was top notch as well, the only thing I'd change is Jon Favreau's casting as a jerk husband. This was against his type of character and it just didn't fit. You'll recognize several other actors in this, which makes it fun. We really enjoyed it. Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 8/10 4/2/09
Hannah Montana: The Movie: Guest review by Shelby and Travis Martin As an eleven year old, this is my first movie review. My father and I went to see the movie together and I thought it was fantastic! Her music was more mature than the actual TV show, her new song "The Climb" is a country (not pop) song, and has made the top 20 song list. Billy Ray Cyrus has one of his songs, with original Rascal Flats songs, and an original Taylor Swift song, too. The love scenes were believable, based on her personality it seems she would really like the guy she has a crush on. One thing I didn't like about the movie is my favorite character Oliver, who plays a big part in the TV show was only in one scene! He would have given the movie more humor. Speaking of humor, some jokes were aimed to little kids, though my dad laughed in some parts. As the father of an eleven year old I wanted to bring my iPod which doesn't have any "Achy Breaky Heart". But I have a Berles-like weakness for musicals, and this wasn't worse than the John Mellencamp, George Strait movies with the same plot. I actually kind of liked it. Shelby 9.5/10 and the Travis 7/10 4/23/09
State of Play: This was a very different movie than what we've been going to recently, which was mostly comedies or comic book movies. This was a full blown government conspiracy thriller, and a well done one at that. Russell Crowe really carried the movie and was in about 95% of the scenes. First rate cast for the other parts made this a well spun yarn! Now, they could have cut about 15 minutes off the length and still had a great story. The twists and turns come throughout the flick and you'll never know where they end up until it's over. If you like the thriller movies, you could see this in the theaters. Otherwise, I definitely recommend home viewing on HBO or DVD. Spydey 7/10 and the Mrs. 7/10 4/23/09
Watchmen: Well, this was an interesting movie. Coming from someone who had read the graphic novel the movie is based on, I think they did a tremendous job. Alan Moore, the writer, always said that this could never be a movie, and he was right. They left out at least 40% of what's in the novel. Large swaths of back story and secondary stuff that fills in the meat of the characters. That doesn't really help people understand the movie if they haven't read the book! The casting was top notch except for Malin Akerman as Silk Spectre II, she was freaking terrible. Problem is that character is a huge part of the movie! There were several scenes of extreme violence and one steamy sex scene with questionable music. My suggestion? Read the graphic novel (let me or Travis know, we'll let you borrow it). If you like it, then check the movie out on HBO or DVD. If you've read the novel, get to the theaters. I think you'll like what they did with it. Spydey 7/10 (3/10 if you hadn't read the novel), the Travis 9/10 (2/10 if you hadn't read the novel), the Berles 3/10, & the Shlater 1/10 - neither of them had read the novel! 3/18/09
Slumdog Millionaire: We finally got out to see this movie! I've been talking about seeing this in the blog for weeks now. Rowan went to Grandma and Poppa Sheridan's and we hit the multiplex on Lynnette's gift card. What an amazing movie! We absolutely loved it. The characters were perfect with the main players portrayed by different aged actors. It was unlike any movie I've ever seen, truly one of a kind. I really enjoyed the music as well and the final Bollywood dance at the end was a great capper. I'm not sure if this is Best Picture yet, but it's definitely one of the best movies of the year. Very enjoyable. Spydey 9/10 and the Mrs. 9/10 2/12/09
Role Models: What an enjoyable movie. We had a good time with this one. I'm not sure if everyone would want to pay full admission for it but I highly recommend it for HBO or rental viewing. The language is rough and the 10 year old was the worst, but he also had some of the best lines. Paul Rudd has really become a go-to guy for straight man comedy, and does a great job in this one. You will recognize many actors from other projects you've seen, especially the group counselor who's crazy/sick funny in this and 40 Year Old Virgin. Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 8/10 11/11/08
Madagascar 2: Guest review by Jason Shlater What a great family movie. If you liked the first one you will be very happy with its sequel. You could almost call this one more of a comedy than a kids movie. It really entertained the kids and parents. Many scenes made the audience laugh out loud. Home run for a family flick and the Penguins are hilarious. This will sum it up for you: Noah, our two year old, watched the entire movie, QUIETLY. Enough said! So go and "Move it, Move it" to the Box Office and get your tickets. Jason 9/10 and the Julia 9/10 and the Noah 10/10 11/18/08
Beverly Hills Chihuahua: Guest review by the Mrs. This was a lot of fun! You wouldn't have guessed it, would you? The story line is respectfully original and you instantly care about the canine characters. The humans are entertaining enough and the details to the story are more then amusing. Take your kids or don't (we didn't!). You'll still leave the theatre feeling good...and probably singing. Mrs. 7/10 and the Spydey 6/10. 10/29/08
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist: Guest review by the Mrs. This movie makes you remember what it feels like to be a part of the "what's happening now" crowd. With more then a few great characters, artistic shots of some cozy clubs, and some all-out rockin, this movie does a perfect job of documenting a night out in New York City. Just like a true night-on-the-town, you are taken on a roller coaster ride of experiences and emotions. The directing was incredibly able to create the same feelings in the audience that you would actually feel if out on your very own adventure in the city. Michael Cera delivers another awesome performance promoting being true to yourself and remaining your own person. Lots of laughs, some mouth-dropping outrageous action and lots of quirks. Yep, this movie is worth seeing. Mrs. 8/10 and the Spydey 7/10 10/14/08
Pineapple Express: We made it out to our first post-Rowan movie and I think we chose a good one. This movie was pretty funny. Brooke loved the slap stick comedy and I enjoyed the boneheaded stoner comedy. Suffice to say, we're big Seth Rogen fans, and he came through again. Not everyone would enjoy this movie, it is a stoner comedy and it's a shoot 'em up action movie. People get shot dead in this movie and there's a couple of huge fight scenes. Interestingly enough, we were the only two people in the theater! First time that's ever happened to me. So basically, this is a review telling you that it's worth a rental or HBO viewing. It will not be in the theaters next week, that's for sure. Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 8/10 9/24/08
Quantum of Solace: Guest review by David Hill Positive points: The movie starts out with an amazing car chase w/ lots of bullets, trading paint & scraping metal/carbon fiber (for all the NASCAR lovers out there) & insane driving across interesting terrains somewhere in Italy Great action scenes & stunts are everywhere in the movie on foot as Bond chases after villians, amazing hand-to-hand combat, through the air, etc. Continue to full review... David 7/10 11/14/08
Tropic Thunder: Got out to see one last movie before Rowan's arrival. We really enjoyed this flick! Guest review by Travis Martin Bringing the Thunder - For us Zoolander fans who are really, really, really ridiculously good looking, we were really looking forward to seeing Tropic Thunder. I was definitely not disappointed. The good news is you don't have to be a Ben Stiller fan to like this movie. He has some funny lines but as in Zoolander, it is the rest of the cast and the big name cameos that steal the show. The Tom Cruise part is NOT overhyped!!! No one in the theater left during the closing credits. Another thing, this is one movie where the parts on the trailer are funnier in the context of the movie. Danny McBride is hilarious as the trigger happy explosives expert but it is Downey, Jr. that steals every scene he's in. This movie napalms Hollywood egos but it also is a smart war movie parody. I will own this movie and wouldn't mind buying another $8 Coke and see it again. Travis 10/10, the Beetle 10/10, Spydey 8/10, and the Mrs. 8/10 8/16/08
WALL-E: Took my dad to see a great flick this past weekend. WALL-E was absolutely awesome. From the very beginning you're drawn into WALL-E's world and care about the guy. You want him to survive amid the disaster the Earth has become. Lots of not so subtle envionmental images in this movie, but it's the interaction of the characters that carries this film. You root hard for WALL-E and EVE to make it. Oh, and I guess the humans too, but mostly it's the robots. I should have seen Ratatouille in the theaters, so I'm very glad I got out and saw this in the theaters. It's a masterpiece. I can't wait to see Pixar's next effort. Spydey 10/10, the Mrs. 10/10, the papa Sheridan 9/10 8/2/08
The Dark Knight: Wow, I mean wow. What a movie experience. A comic book movie with superb casting, amazing sets, AND an awesome story!?! Hands down the best comic book movie ever, let alone one of my top films. Can you tell I liked it? With comic book movies you know what you're getting in the hero, it's the villain that makes the movie. Heath Ledger's Joker makes this movie. Every scene he's in steals the show. He made you cringe, laugh, giggle, and squirm. Perfect. I left thinking 9, but Travis called me at midnight to change his vote to the 10. We then talked several times over the weekend about it and the movie just grows on you. You remember things about it that affects you later. I might have to see this again on IMAX. It will be interesting to see where other comic book movies go from here. You can make a good one with a great story...it is possible. Good luck to Spiderman 4 and Iron Man 2. You have something to live up to. Here's a review link from a guy I like on YouTube: Fitzy's Batman review rated R for salty language. Spydey 10/10, the Mrs. 9/10, the Buzz 9/10, the Beetle 9/10, the Ryan 9/10, and the Travis 10/10 7/18/08
Hellboy II: The Golden Army: Well, we've been waiting for the second movie and it didn't disappoint. We really enjoyed this one. It's not going to win any awards, but it was very entertaining. Writer/Director Guillermo del Toro's imagination is incredible! Hellboy himself is written well, but the other beasties in the film are a sight to see. We especially liked the Johann Klauss character not to mention the Angel of Death toward the end of the film. Simply amazing. They've set this up for a third movie, and it will be interesting to see what GdT does with that. Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 8/10 7/11/08
Iron Man: We had quite a group for the movie this week! Iron Man did not disappoint, it was a huge hit for the group. It was hard to imagine the movie being bad when you have Oscar caliber performers in all the big spots. The story was good, with only a few small holes. That could be due to the two writing duos that worked on the script. The action was great and the movie moved quickly. As far as I could tell, the Iron Man mythology was followed very well. We loved it! Spydey 9/10, the Mrs. 10/10, the Berles 8/10, the Buzz 10/10, and the Travis 10/10 5/2/08
Sex and the City: guest review by the Mrs. The fact the premier of Sex and the City prompted "Girls Night Out" everywhere was just an added bonus, the movie did not disappoint. With silly and outrageous fiascos always happening to the four main characters, the high fashion wardrobes and accessories they model, and the "not-your-every-day" men they meet, the Sex in the City movie continued to spoil ladies everywhere with pure entertainment and eye candy. I also personally enjoyed the more serious side to the women's lives portrayed in the movie and experienced the evening as a roller coaster ride of sore sides and watery eyes. I will admit being disappointed by a decline in some of the acting that for some (especially the small roles of the male actors) seemed "mailed in". There were times when I wanted to roll my eyes at the absolutely unnecessary added drama i.e. the entire Mr. Big jilting scenerio...I mean, what couple could make it through an over- hyped one-sided wedding like that? The warning signs were blatantly obvious. But my question to those who have chosen to be critical and slam the movie altogether is, "Wasn't it better than nothing?" After getting hooked by the show, my attachment with the writing style, characters, and a peek into their extravagant urban lifestyles left me mourning for weeks when there were finally no more new episodes to watch. To join a reunion with Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda was just the dose I needed. The hole the show left when it ended has now finally healed (at least a little!). Brooke 7/10, Concepcion 7/10, Julia 8/10, AJ 8/10, Marisa 7/10, and Kristen 4/10 5/30/08
Forgetting Sarah Marshall: We're back in the theaters! This one was a good one to get back to. Hilarious would be my one word review. There were two times I was laughing so hard I had tears. I can't remember the last time I cried at a movie! The latest installment from the Judd Apatow crew is an excellent 'date' movie. I think the ladies and the gents will love it for their own reasons. We had been looking forward to this movie for a few months and we're not disappointed. Spydey 9/10 and the Mrs. 9/10 4/18/08
Michael Clayton: Didn't see this one in the theaters, but rented it at home on PPV. Awesome movie. A great legal thriller. George Clooney is a movie star and really shines in his role as Michael Clayton, a janitor for problems within his law firm. The problem the story focuses on is a big one and involves his closest friend at the firm. The intrigue and subtle suspense are done very well. We really enjoyed this movie and highly recommend renting it. Spydey 9/10 and the Mrs 9/10
Semi-Pro: Went to see Will Farrell's new sports spoof movie on opening weekend. It was a good call! A very funny movie that didn't outstay it's welcome. There was enough supporting help that Jackie Moon, Will's character, didn't overdo himself. The play on the 70's and ABA basketball in general were very well done. Much better than Blades of Glory and right on par with Anchorman, with less quotable lines. Spydey 6/10, the Mrs. 8/10, and papa Taylor 6/10 2/29/08
Juno: The missus was to do this review, but we're falling behind. We both enjoyed this movie very much. At first, I didn't care for the leading lady much. She seemed a bit off...but she as well as the other characters really grew on me as the movie went along. Juno's parents were awesome! Very well done characters and funny too. You might not be up for this movie in the theaters, so at least rent it. It was better for me than last year's indie darling, Little Miss Sunshine. Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 9/10 1/12/08
We Own The Night: Guest review by Jason Shlater Let's give this one a B for B movie. I know that grade is a little harsh. We Own The Night was a statement used by the NYPD in the 80's. The phrase symbolized the police department's fight against the soaring drug problem. Sounds like a great movie idea! You had Rober Duvall, Marky Mark, Eve Mendes (who has a nice scene early), and Joaquin Phoenix. A story based on a turbulent relationship between two brothers on different sides of the law and a father who happened to be the deputy police chief, watching. All that, how can you go wrong? The ending of the sucker is where they went wrong. The ending is so non-eventful it is hard to describe. I thin they wrote the ending in about 10 minutes just in time for their last coffee break! The story was very nicely built up, and the ending just brought it down. Shlater 6/10 and his Mrs. 6/10
Bourne Ultimatum: It had been a while since our last movie! This was a good one to get back in the swing of things with. What an awesome finish to this trilogy, we were not disappointed. It starts right after the second one ends and doesn't let up until the finish. What a ride! I suggest reading the first book in this trilogy, Bourne Identity. One of my favorites. UPDATE: Got this for Christmas. Sweet. Spydey 9/10 and the Mrs. 9/10 10/6/07
Superbad: Funny ass movie. Rude and crude at times and boy can that character they aptly named Seth cuss! But the setups and the action of the movie were spot on and excellent for a number of laughs out loud. In the same vein as Fast Times and American Pie, these HSers are out for fun. The whole movie takes place in one night at the end of their senior years. I'm convinced anyone would find something in here that reminds them of high school and would enjoy it immensely. UPDATE: Bought this for $7 at Blockbuster. Spydey 9/10 and the Mrs. 9/10
Hot Rod: Well, after a good run of movies we ran into a dud this week. Hot Rod wasn't so hot. We questioned even going, but Roger Ebert said it was funny throughout. Well, it was funny in parts. But the overall feeling was wait for 'free' viewing on HBO or something along those lines. Typical SNL movie. Spydey 4/10 and the Mrs. 4/10
Transformers: What a great summer movie. Good action, just enough cheese, and a well put together story (seeing as it's based on a cartoon). We loved it. I couldn't wait to see this movie and it didn't disappoint. When the Transformers fight, it's full on. Michael Bay usually knows how to do the action and he did again. Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 9/10
Live Free or Die Hard: Another great summer movie. The action picks up right away and carries on throughout the flick. McClane has his work cut out for him and if you can suspend your disbelief several times you can see how he gets the job done. I wonder why it took so long to get this forth one made, over 12 years since the 3rd. I'd easier rank this as the second best behind the classic 1988's Die Hard. Spydey 7/10 and the Mrs. 7/10
Spiderman 3: Not as good as the previous two. The fight scenes were spectacular! But the lovely dovey story, as I call it, was way too much. It was also the first weekend movie we saw, and the punk ass kids' behind us took a little out of the whole movie experience. Did continue my comic book movie run with Travis. It was our 3rd or 4th we've seen together. Spydey 8/10, Mrs. 8/10 and the Travis 10/10
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End: In a word, awesome. In another word, long. It was awesomely long as well. Too damn long, but very well done and entertaining. Answers all the questions from the previous two and we both enjoyed it very much. Kiera Knightley needs to eat a sammich! Spydey 8/10 and the Mrs. 8/10
Knocked Up: HILARIOUS!!! Like the Mrs. said, they made the perfect guy movie with chick flick mixture. It was funny as hell and flew by quickly. From the same guys who did TV's Freaks and Geeks and 40 Year Old Virgin. All new mothers and fathers should see this movie. With all our friends that just had babies, we were thinking it was rather timely. Seth Rogan, the guy in the Knocked Up poster to the left, has a new one coming out in August, Superbad. Looks just as hilarious. Check out that trailer here. Spydey 9/10 and the Mrs. 9/10
Shooter Review written by the Mrs. Movie night came and went without a hitch. We're becoming more comfortable with 50 cent popcorn night and filled the largest mixing bowl we own to the brim. Mmmmm. It is not surprising our rating for the movie was different, but it was our reasoning that led to my writing this week's review of Shooter starring Mark Wahlberg. During my tomboy, cowgirl days I especially loved to watch sniper movies. In fact, I am on record stating I wanted to someday become a sniper (ask my dad, he was just a little concerned!). Therefore, I have seen all of them and remember them fondly. Most memorable are Sniper, Assassins, and Leon: The Professional. All great movies. Shooter just might top them all! My heart rate increased approximately 15 minutes into the movie and I remained on the edge of my seat for the entire 2 hours. On one hand, how can you compare this movie to the artistic genius that is 300 and rate it only 1 level difference. However, on the other hand it is the artistic advancements and new technologies in sniper film-making that make Shooter possibly the best sniper movie ever. With the same pace and feel of the The Bourne Supremacy and with its ultra dramatic, creative and down-the-barrel shots this film hits the spot for the updated sniper genre. I've waited for this for quite a while. Shooter gets an 8 out of 10 from the Mrs. 7/10 from Spydey
300 The movie was good. At just under 2 hours, it really flew by. In depicting the Battle of Thermopylae in 480BC the fight scenes were amazing. I wish I could get my hands on the actual graphic novel the movie is based on, but have been unable to find it. You could tell that many of the shots in the movie were EXACTLY as they appeared in the graphic novel. If you liked 2005's Sin City, you'll like 300. Both were written by Frank Miller with 300 helmed by Zach Snyder. I am a big graphic novel fan and anxiously await the release of Moore and Gibbon's Watchmen next year also directed by Snyder. The Mrs. really enjoyed 300. She felt some of the scenes were quite intense, but thought it was as good or better than Sin City. I felt character development was better in Sin City, but that won't take away from 300's battle scenes. The characters of King Leonidas and Queen Gorgo were fleshed out the most. I would suggest you go on Tuesday nights to Carmike and take your own bucket or pail. They'll fill with popcorn for only 50 cent! 300 gets an 8 out of 10 from Spydey. 9/10 from the Mrs.