Source Code

Now I'm really not one for repetitive films, ones that do the same thing over and over (with the exception of Groundhog Day), but it was the acting quality of Jake Gyllenhal that kept me from leaving the theatres.

I'll be totally honest with you, I didn't want to see this movie, even less did I want to have to write a review for it. I only saw it because the friend I went with wanted to do a "sneaky double feature," but the science fiction behind this movie was so interesting it I felt I had to speak upon this film's behalf. Now it's hard to write spoiler-free reviews, so bare in mind that there isn't much to stay about the film's plot that wont ruin the movie.

This is a movie of great experience, loaded with plenty of twists, and good science fiction. Gyllenhaal does a great job of giving the movie-go'er a sense of clearity after a much confusing introduction. You as the go'er are with Gyllenhal all the way, and while you think, you're rooting for him to solve the mystery of where is the bomb and who is the bomber, you're really hoping he can save everyone on the train's lives.

Now I'm a big softy for "America VS Terrorists" an major movie stars saving the day (a la Die Hard), an dI love science fiction, however I can only go as far as to say this, If you got 10$ laying around and nothing to do, only then would I recommend you go see this movie.

Battle: LA

This movie was described to me as "moto-boner food," and I must say that does sum up the movie in a nut shell.

OK I know I am a little bit too late on the scene for both seeing this movie and reviewing it, but I'm so glad I went late than never. 

This movie was such an amazing piece of dramatic action cinema, and I loved every single minute of it. There wasn't a thing I didn't enjoy about this film, not even Michelle Rodriguez (and believe you me when I say I cannot stand that woman in any of the movies she's been in). The film had very solid and very dramatic acting lead by Aaron Eckhart (of who I am always pleased to see) that kept not only the pace of the movie flowing, but nailed me to the edge of my seat. Eckhart plays the role of a United States Marine Corps Platoon Sargent, Michael Nantz, who is a day away from retirement, when astroids descend upon the beaches and shores of major cities across the globe and as an alien apocalypse is unleashed onto Earth, he is assigned to lead a platoon of Marines to scout and find survivors.

The film is about a (what I found to be a delightfully) unexplained alien invasion on the world, and centers around Eckhart and his half platoon of United States Marines who, when the action really ramps up, fight to stop the alien invasion taking from LA. I would have an impossible time telling you what part that I absolutely loved solely because this entire movie was one giant action-gasm. In other words, loved it from the first minute to the last. It quickly, which in the first 20min, became one of my all time favorite apocalypse movies to date. Military centered movies, I must admit, always get me going, specially ones that center on the USMC, this was a key attraction for me. 

Everything I look for in a movie is in this film: Action, drama, military respect, aliens, and an apocolyptic setting. All in all, I'd say you should go see this movie even if it's the last ten dollars to your name.

Your Highness

At one point during the film I was laughing so hard I got tunnel vision amd almost passed out.

I don't particularly like Zoey Deschanel as an actress, or even as a human being for that matter; she encompasses every reason I have a grudge against women. I say this because I want you to understand the magnitude of my words when I tell you, the finale of this film redeems her in my eyes.

Danny McBride was amusing, I actually and thoroughly liked him in this film; he was far less of a moron than he is normally portrayed in all of his previous films, and his mix of modern terminology with an olde English accent was a rather hilarious addition, it makes his character seem ahead of the times. Which was either a strike of ingenuity or a sign of pure McBride laziness.

What really drew me to see this movie was James Franco. I love Franco's serious work; he is really quite talented as an actor, so when I see him in a comedy like this I'm very forgivable, because I have seen his range of skill. Franco's performance as funny as he was in Pineapple Express, but slightly more adorable in his Olde Times naivety.

Maybe it's my movie star crush that clouds my judgement, but when isn't there a movie with Natalie Portman where she isn't amazing? In Your Highness she is (as  to be expected) the outright pinnacle of female badassery. She kicks more ass then the total combination of all three heroes. In addition to her stunning action performance, she had the only believable accent in the movie.

Loved the mythical homages to many films such as the Lord of the Rings series. The sword they quest for was pretty badass looking, and my favorite part of the film is how they added a nice Conan: the Barbarian touch upon it's discovery. McBride has an epic victory over the guardian of this mythical blade, and like his brother (Franco) explains, he must take a glorious trophy of his kill, and my oh my is it ever glorious.

All in all, I felt the whole movie was trying too hard to be too funny. I didn't laugh nearly as much as I expected, however it was enjoyable, and worth the price of a ticket. Although, if you're not a huge fan of Danny McBride films, I'd say you're better off waiting for the DVD/Bluray release.

Arthur

When I think of Great Britain I only think of two things: Eddie Izzard, and how amazing of a man he is. Russel Brand, however attractive he may be, is usually my idea of Britain's idiot child for his lack of real humor and style. "He is funny, but only because he is a walking joke," is how I thought of Brand, even after watching all of his films my mind was made up. Untill I saw Arthur.

This film was oh so very enjoyable, and Brand was impressively believable, heartwarming, and a laugh riot. The way he plays Arthur gives the character more life in comparison to the original. I really felt touched by the relationship he had with his nanny, played by Hellen Mirren, it gave the movie a much more sentimental feel than the original had attempted to pull off. Arthur's relationship with his loveless mother and nanny proved to be much more touching then the original's semi explained relationship with his loveless father and male caretaker.

Greta Gerwig was sweet, wholesome, and adorable; I fell in love with her character instantly. If you are a huge Liza Minelli fan, I must apologize, but Gerwig's performance was infinitely more pleasing, more real, more believable. Liza should have really given up on her movie career, or at least taken a pass at this role.

In short, the story was wonderful, sentimental, and very heart warming. Compared to the original, this film is a cinematic masterpeice of human emotion. Brand was amazing, and it's definitely worth the price of a movie ticket.