Genre: Action

Year: 1990

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin, Sharon Stone, Ronny Cox, Michael Ironside

Director: Paul Verhoeven

My Review: Directed by one of my favorite directors (Paul Verhoeven: Soldier of Orange, the Fourth Man, RoboCop, Showgirls, Basic Instinct, Black Book); Total Recall is based on a Philip K. Dick short story. A story about construction worker Douglas Quaid (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger). Douglas is bored one day, so he decides to try a virtual vacation. His trip to 'Rekall' doesn't go so well. A memory chip in his skull triggers a flood of memories and a conspiracy laden story of world domination. These memories soon lead Douglas on a journey to Mars in order to discover who he is and who implanted those false memories in his mind. Costarring Sharon Stone, Rachel Ticotin, Michael Ironside, Ronny Cox and others. The acting was Arnold's level, but the twisted sci-fi story was awesome. Visual effect made the roller coaster ride a memorable trip to Mars for sci-fi action with Arnold Schwarzeneger. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real, or does he?

Genre: Children's Video

Year: 1990

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: George O'Hanlon, Mel Blanc, Penny Singleton, Tiffany, Patric Zimmerman

Director: Joseph Barbera, William Hanna

My Review: The Hanna/Barbera tv show (from the 60s) comes to the big screen, and millions scream "Why!" Directed by Joseph Barnera and William Hanna, this animated movie features the cartoon characters; George Jetson, Jane his wife, Judy the lovestruck teenage daughter, Elroy the young boy, Rosie the robotic maid and Astro the family pet. The voice talent was mixed. There were numerous times when it was apparent that there were different people voicing the different characters. The story and direction were horrible. The story takes George and his family to an asteroid mine in order to manage a plant where his company is planning to make a million sprockets. There's far too much singing in the movie (poor music and vocals) and the 'Grungies' (Ewoks rip-offs) made my stomach turn. When the movie attempted to spin the plot to an environmental message I just about lost it. When George's plant experiences sabotage, it's up to George to figure out who's behind it and how to fix it. The short thirty minute cartoons (during the sixties) were better than this feature length movie. A poor movie all around. I give it a 1 out of 5.

Summary: This movie is rad, I love it! All the voices match up to the actual characters excluding Judy (played by Tiffany). It's kinda retarded that Tiffany plays Judy and did all the music for the movie, but it actually works. There's all kinds of innovative new characters in this movie that just bring it to life. The Jetson's is my favorite cartoon (beside's Dexter's Lab) and I really dig this movie, I watch it at least once a month (and I'm 22). So, if you have kids I recommend it. Fun, colorful movie. Maybe I'll watch it again tonight. :)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Year: 2012

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson

Director: Joss Whedon

My Review: Awesome movie - I'll buy a copy on Blu-Ray when it becomes available. It was on my list, and I was a little surprised when Kim said she wanted to go see it. I insisted on 3D - If you're going to watch a movie in 3D, then this is the sort of movie you should watch. A big-screen, blockbuster with lots of explosions, fight scenes and blazing fast superhero action. The tickets cost us $29.00 for two adults - Seriously?! The cost of the 3D experience is way out of line with the experience, and I can't understand how they get away with it. Back to the movie. As I said, this one was on my list, so I didn't put up much of a fight when Kim said we should go see the movie. Yes I was a comic book collector. I still have some old copies in a box somewhere. I read many Marvel comics. I knew the Avengers and I read the exploits of many such heroes when I was a young boy. Despite my less than enthusiastic response to some of the individual Avenger movies (Thor, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk), this movie is outstanding. The cast (Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Ironman; Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America; Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk; Chris Hemsworth as Thor; Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow; Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton/Hawkeye; Tom Hiddleston as Loki; and many others) worked well together and the acting was pretty good. Mark Ruffalo was much better as the Hulk than previous attempts. As individuals, the acting and movies weren't all that good. Together as members of S.H.I.E.L.D. they did an excellent job. The movie was expertly written and directed by one of my favorite directors: Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Serenity, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog). It's entertaining, filled with action, humor, heart and thrilling drama. A summer block-buster with plot cohesion, plenty of character development, outstanding cinematography, choreography, and some amazing production. Be sure to stay through all the credits to see the extra scenes. I give this movie (we saw it in 3D) a 5 out of 5, and I'll definitely buy a copy in blu-ray. Awesome movie - I'll buy a copy on Blu-Ray when it becomes available. It was on my list, and I was a little surprised when Kim said she wanted to go see it. I insisted on 3D - If you're going to watch a movie in 3D, then this is the sort of movie you should watch. A big-screen, blockbuster with lots of explosions, fight scenes and blazing fast superhero action. The tickets cost us $29.00 for two adults - Seriously?! The cost of the 3D experience is way out of line with the experience, and I can't understand how they get away with it. Back to the movie. As I said, this one was on my list, so I didn't put up much of a fight when Kim said we should go see the movie. Yes I was a comic book collector. I still have some old copies in a box somewhere. I read many Marvel comics. I knew the Avengers and I read the exploits of many such heroes when I was a young boy. Despite my less than enthusiastic response to some of the individual Avenger movies (Thor, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk), this movie is outstanding. The cast (Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Ironman; Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America; Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk; Chris Hemsworth as Thor; Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow; Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton/Hawkeye; Tom Hiddleston as Loki; and many others) worked well together and the acting was pretty good. Mark Ruffalo was much better as the Hulk than previous attempts. As individuals, the acting and movies weren't all that good. Together as members of S.H.I.E.L.D. they did an excellent job. The movie was expertly written and directed by one of my favorite directors: Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Serenity, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog). It's entertaining, filled with action, humor, heart and thrilling drama. A summer block-buster with plot cohesion, plenty of character development, outstanding cinematography, choreography, and some amazing production. Be sure to stay through all the credits to see the extra scenes. I give this movie (we saw it in 3D) a 5 out of 5, and I'll definitely buy a copy in blu-ray.

Summary: Nick Fury is director of S.H.I.E.L.D, an international peace keeping agency. The agency is a who's who of Marvel Super Heroes, with Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When global security is threatened by Loki and his cohorts, Nick Fury and his team will need all their powers to save the world from disaster.

Genre: Thriller

Year: 1951

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, Robert Walker, Leo G. Carroll, Patricia Hitchcock

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

My Review: A somewhat obscure Hitchcock film. The acting by Robert Walker (as Bruno the twisted socialite psychopath), Farley Granger (as Guy Haines the tennis pro) and Ruth Roman (as Guy's gal on the side) didn't do the best job of acting, but the story certainly makes up for it. The story is a classic Hitchcock tale of drama, deception and deadly consequences. Bruno and Guy meet by chance aboard a commuter train. The two socialites strike up a conversation and soon discuss their trite personal dramas. Nagging wife, over-demanding father - Bruno confesses that he wants his 'never satisfied' father dead; Guy gives up his secret desire to be rid of his current wife so he can marry the woman he truly loves. When Bruno suggests that they swap murders - 'You do mine, I do yours'; Guy shrugs it off as a ridiculous suggestion. Until… You guessed it, Guy's wife ends up dead - Strangled just outside a 'Tunnel of Love' The movie is a bit slow at times, but it heats up quickly and the last half hour is outstanding. The best acting came from Robert Walker, but the direction was the driving force behind this movie. Excellent pacing, suspense and camera work. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: You'd like your wife killed, wouldn't you? I'll do it for you if you'll kill someone for me, and since we're strangers we'll be free of suspicion.

Genre: Action

Year: 1992

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Jo Marr, Gary Hershberger, Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, David Strathairn

Director: Phil Alden Robinson

My Review: One of my favorites. A light hearted spy thriller with a great cast. Starring Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, River Phoenix, Mary McDonnell, Donal Logue, James Craven, Ben Kingsley and James Earl Jones, this movie was a great spy thriller about computers, cryptography and the government (with a small amount of political commentary). A misfit group of 'security experts' make a living testing bank security until they're contacted by the 'NSA' to recover a 'Black-Box'. From then on it's a twisted tale of deception, danger and espionage where you don't know who to trust. The writing is fantastic, the technical details are great and the pacing is perfect. The acting is a bit lighthearted and there are no explosions or scenes of gushing blood. The director did a bang-up job, and this movie is a joy to watch. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Summary: Complex but lighthearted thriller about computers and cryptography, government and espionage, secrets and deception and betrayal.

Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama, History

Year: 2011

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Josh Hamilton, Geoff Pierson, Cheryl Lawson, Kaitlyn Dever

Director: Clint Eastwood

My Review: A biopic directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Leonardo DiCaprio - I expected a much better movie - Unfortunately, everyone has an off day, bad movie and this movie proves that truism. The 'story' - J. Edgar Hoover; longtime FBI director (from 1935 - 1972) was a strong founding director - The heart and soul that turned our FBI into a top notch agency capable of tackling the direst of domestic threats. At time obsessive, repressive and overbearing, it was his strong sense of justice that helped tackle organized crime, the 'communist plot', anarchists and other groups that sought to challenge the authority of our nation, it's justice system and the rule of law in America. The film delves ever so slightly into J. Edgar's private life, depicting the man as a secretly insecure person who sought constant approval from his mother and 'best' friend Clyde Tolson. While I was interested in the 'secret files' and how Hoover may have used them to manipulate politicians and influence the justice department, the film didn't really delve into the actual historical aspects of that long era. Instead it was a through the looking glass biopic as seen from J. Edgar's point of view. The film was slow, dry and underwhelming. With very little historical substance it seemed to focus on Hoover's more personal moments; and those moments were slow and subdued. The constant zipping back in forth over the course of his life were rather annoying. At times I couldn't discern when the action (if you can call it that) was taking place. The relationship between Hoover, his secretary and Clyde Tolson was so tame and lacking in passion that I nearly fell asleep on several occasions. There wasn't any chemistry between the actors, and there relationships seemed distanced and poorly directed. Another aspect that put me off was the lighting and make-up. The 'aging' makeup was horrible. At no time did I believe that the character (either DiCaprio (as Hoover) or Armie Hammer (as Clyde Tolson) was actually aging (as the timeline went forward, back, forward, back and forward again). It was particularly terrible when DiCaprio was dressed to appear very old. The dim, subdued lighting lent a constant morose and depressing tone to the entire movie and the music matched that mood. Overall I was underwhelmed by this stinker. The only part worth watching was DiCaprio's acting - Focus solely on that and you might stay long enough to make it through this boropic. I give it a 2 out of 5.

Summary: Biopic of J. Edgar Hoover told by Hoover as he recalls his career for a biography. Early in his career, Hoover fixated on Communists, anarchists and any other revolutionary taking action against the U.S. government. He slowly builds the agency's reputation, becoming the sole arbiter of who gets hired and fired. One of his hires is Clyde Tolson who is quickly promoted to Assistant Director and would be Hoover's confidant and companion for the rest of Hoover's life. Hoover's memories have him playing a greater role in the many high profile cases the FBI was involved in - the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, the arrest of bank robbers like John Dillinger - and also show him to be quite adept at manipulating the various politicians he's worked with over his career, thanks in large part to his secret files.

Genre: Drama

Year: 1998

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Wesley Snipes, Robert Downey Jr., Joe Pantoliano, Daniel Roebuck

Director: Stuart Baird

My Review: Tommy Lee Jones reprises his role from 'The Fugitive' as U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard. His team of U.S. Marshals are joined by DSS Special Agent John Royce (Robert Downey Jr.) in a manhunt for escaped fugitive Mark Sheridan (Wesley Snipes). As a sequel to the Fugitive, it's a pretty good movie. The pacing is non-stop action, with Wesley Snipes proving his standing as an action hero. The plot? Snipes plays a fugitive accused of a crime that he didn't commit. The Marshals are tasked to bring him in. Robert Downey Jr. plays the secret bad guy who wants to off Snipes' character. The movie starts out with a bang as a plane full of convicts are on there way to prison. The plane goes down near a Louisiana swamp and the race is on. The movie is primarily a chase from that point on. As the movie progresses, Gerard realizes that Mark Sheridan isn't an ordinary fugitive on the run (in more way than one). While the plot is predictable and linear, the acting and direction keep it thrilling and exciting. Tommy Lee Jones overplayed his role, but Snipes did a good job portraying the hunted man on the run. Irene Jacob played the role of uber hot girlfriend to the fugitive. Lacking character development, the plot actually made the movie more interesting than I expected. As an action flick it hits the mark. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: US Marshal Samuel Gerard (Jones) and his team of Marshals are assigned to track down Sheridan (Snipes), a murderer and robber.

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Year: 1983

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Rutger Hauer, John Hurt, Craig T. Nelson, Dennis Hopper, Chris Sarandon

Director: Sam Peckinpah

My Review: Sam Peckinpah's (The Rifleman (TV series), The Wild Bunch, Straw Dogs, Pat Garret and Billy the Kid) last film. Based on a Novel (of the same name) by Robert Ludlum. This movie had a great cast: Rutger Hauer, John Hurt, Craig T. Nelson, Dennis Hopper, Chris Sarandon, Meg Foster, Helen Shaver, Burt Lancaster, and others. Unfortunately, the direction was botched. It's an 80s Soviet Threat spy thriller where the Soviet Threat is never fully realized. Rutger Hauer plays John Tanner; an investigative journalist with a reputation for revealing and probing interviews. As he's planning a weekend vacation with a group of close friends, the CIA intrudes upon his life in an effort to convince him that his friends are Soviet agents, and he must help the CIA turn them. While the script is a twisted spy thriller that examines the influence of media, mind control and social manipulation at depth, the direction and editing were poorly handled. The premise is good and there's some good tension established early on, but the movie falls apart half way through. The movie becomes increasingly hard to follow and difficult to believe. The acting was mixed, but editing and direction was the primary reason for the acting mis-queues and snafus. The movie opens with a segment that left me utterly confused and set the pace for the jumbled pace and numerous plot holes that followed. Most of the nude and topless scenes were out of place and distracted me from the plot. The music was terrible - Certainly fitting for a porno, but completely out of place in this cold war spy thriller. The lighting was atrocious, the camera work sad and the sound work terrible. I wanted to like the movie. It had a good cast and a respected director… Not only didn't I like it, I have to admit that it was terrible. I give this disjointed tale of mind control and voyeurism a 1 out of 5.

Summary: The host of an investigative news show is convinced by the CIA that the friends he has invited to a weekend in the country are engaged in a conspiracy that threatens national security in this adaptation of the Robert Ludlum novel.

Genre: Action

Year: 1998

Country: UK

Rating:

Starring: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård, Sean Bean

Director: John Frankenheimer

My Review: Directed by John Frankenheimer (Birdman of Alcatraz, The Manchurian Candidate (1962), Seven Days in May, The Train, Seconds, The French Connection II, Black Sunday, Prophecy, The Holcroft Covenant, 52 Pick Up, The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), Reindeer Games), one of my favorite directors. This action flick has a surprisingly deep plot. Starring Robert De Niro, Michael Lonsdale, Jean Reno, Jonathan Pryce, Sean Bean and many others. This movie is well paced, contains excellent music, some excellent car chases, good acting, and a thoughtful plot. The direction, editing and camera work were perfect. The plot: Someone wants 'the case'. We never find out what's inside the case, and that contributes greatly to this movie. Although 'the case' is the focus for the characters, it's not the focus of this movie. The movie starts out slow and tense, progresses through wary to exciting, exhilarating, explosive and exhausting. By the time the movie ends, you can't even remember that there was a case. The characters, their motivations, deceptions, betrayals and loyalties are all that matter. Stellar performances - An outstanding action flick with people, not cgi! I give it a 5 out of 5.

Summary: A freelancing former US intelligence agent tries to track down a mysterious package that is wanted by both the Irish and the Russians.

Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy

Year: 2011

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke, Stephen Dorff, Freida Pinto, Luke Evans

Director: Tarsem Singh

My Review: Starring Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke, Stephen Dorff, John Hurt, Luke Evans and many others. Directed by Tarsem Singh (The Cell). The story: A Greek Tragedy; a tale set in ancient Greece, just after the gods had retired to Mt. Olympus. Observing from on high, they watch as the tale unravels. Young Theseus grows into a man; Mad King Hyperion leads an army against the Greeks as part of his quest to recover the Epirus bow, release the Titans and conquer all mankind. Can a young warrior, a small group of heroes and a virgin oracle save humanity from the tyranny of Hyperion? Excellent visuals. Eye candy galore. Popping colors, motion and sexy, sweaty bodies dressed like ancient harlots. The costumes, sets and decoration looked like something out of a feverish dream. Much effort was spent on the editing, cgi, digital effects and stop/go camera work. The music was forgettable, the acting (for the most part) lacked conviction, and the direction was missing in action. What this movie really needed, but lacked, was better writing and less 'Noodle Time'. The gods seemed nothing more than vain humans, the humans seemed less interested in their fate than a group of sheep. Depictions of the 'Titans' as snarling little orc like creatures with nothing but killing on their mind was a travesty. The only reason this movie rises above pitiful is the well crafted, but misplaced effects and editing. 2 out of 5.

Summary: Eons after the Gods won their mythic struggle against the Titans, a new evil threatens the land. Mad with power, King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) has declared war against humanity. Amassing a bloodthirsty army of soldiers disfigured by his own hand, Hyperion has scorched Greece in search of the legendary Epirus Bow, a weapon of unimaginable power forged in the heavens by Ares. Only he who possesses this bow can unleash the Titans, who have been imprisoned deep within the walls of Mount Tartaros since the dawn of time and thirst for revenge. In the king's hands, the bow would rain destruction upon mankind and annihilate the Gods. But ancient law dictates the Gods must not intervene in man's conflict. They remain powerless to stop Hyperion...until a peasant named Theseus (Henry Cavill) comes forth as their only hope. Secretly chosen by Zeus, Theseus must save his people from Hyperion and his hordes...