The Invention of Lying

Ricky Gervais' new film about a world where lying has simply not been invented. Ricky finds a way to do it by accident and it completely changes the world and the film takes an interesting look at what the art of "storytelling" has done to the world. By getting whatever he wants from lying, he becomes powerful beyond everyone after living a mediocre life of being undermined and lonely up to this point. His love, Jennifer Garner, finds him intriguing and likes his new found glory after explaining his new story to the world about God and what happens when we die, but Garner still cant find a way to love and/or date him. This crushes him and crushes him more when she falls for his arch enemy, his co-worker Rob Lowe, a much better looking but not as interesting man. He could get her to love him by lying to her but that is the one thing he cant do.

This film was very interesting. Definitely an original storyline and great cast of comedians (Louis C.K., Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, Ricky Gervais). It took on an approach that the whole idea of a God and that all religious history was a lie, so if you are touchy to that subject you may be offended, but if you are not easily detoured and enjoy a good story, then you will surely enjoy this film.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 9

Where The Wild Things Are

I probably shoulda seen this in the theaters to get the whole effect of this film I know that the scenery and CGI characters of the beloved storybook characters would have made a more dramatic effect if they had been seen as larger than life. Unfortunately, I had to see these on my computer and it may have taken away from the film. As a story, I think it was great. The classic childrens story by Maurice Sendak where the bratty Max learns a life lesson about growing up and responsibility through his "imaginary" journey to a far away land filled with monsters. As he becomes king and takes on responsibility, he soon learns that he can not live simply doing what he wants all the time and that his mother, back home, was not so bad after all. I think a younger crowd would simply adore this movie, but not too young. There were some scenes that if I were a toddler, I would definitely be scared silly.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily

1-10: 7.5

Couples Retreat

Almost everyone I know is a fan of Vince Vaughn. I think the best thing he does is ramble on continually explaining a topic until he runs out of breath. If you have seen ANY of his films, you will know what I mean. His BFF John Favreau teams up with him in this film (FYI: They met on the set of the sports classic film Rudy and have done alot together both filming and writing). This relational romantic comedy about a few couples who are all working on their relationships in some manner or another leaves three couples on a island retreat to put the spark back in their love lifes and at that moment, I hate to say, becomes very cliche. I dont know if its just me and my frustration with this type of film lately, or if movies have run out of new ways to portray this genre, but I was not too impressed. Not the top 20 of Vince Vaughn's films (if he has even been in 20).

My Elementary Grading Scale: Needs Improvement

1-10: 6

Carriers

I was let down by this film. Apocalyptic and zombie films are definitely my fave and this one was a very weak version of the both. It dealt more with a virus that left zombie-like people totally incapable of movement and following the survivors around as they searched for refuge was about as fun as watching the Senior Womens PGA Tour.

Needless to say I lost an hour and a half of my day with this one. Piper Perabo was the only star and she had a lackluster part that led her out of the story 2/3 through the movie. Skip this one. You arent missing anything.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Needs Improvement

1-10: 4.5

Paranormal Activity

FINALLY! A scary movie that made it hard for me to sleep at night. A reality-based film genre trying to go for the Blair Witch Vibe. A home video of a couple trying to raise a demonic presence from their house to prove that what the girlfriend had been experiencing her whole life, was in actuality, the real deal. After taunting this demon and undermining its power, all heck breaks loose. I will say two words for all of you who have seen the movie.... drag scene..... for those of you have not seen this movie, you will definitely be alarmed by this scene and the hair on the back of your neck will be raised. Dont watch this movie alone.

I was very impressed with this film because it was one of the films that encapsulates every aspect of a good scary story yet needs nothing but your own mind to make you scared. Sometimes its what you cannot see that makes us scared and that is exactly how much of this film worked.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 9

The Keeper

Steven Seagal's latest film has him as a vengeful cop out for justice after a crooked cop shot him and stole money from a drug bust that took place in corrupt streets of downtown Somewhere. Quickly, he gets back at his nemesis while still in the hospital and a whole new story unveils. After rehab and a fierce montage of training and martial arts, Seagal begins his comeback as a bodyguard to a rich man's daughter. Unfortunately the montage of hard, grueling, intense training didnt quite pay off and the daughter was kidnapped anyway. Which leads Seagal down a path of dirty dealings, corrupt business men and merciless killers who will stop at nothing to get money and trouble off their backs.

This is a classic Seagal film. I actually like his stuff because the fight scenes are often more intense than other films. Broken bones and bullets that send enemies flailing across the room. Its a movie that is 100% action and when their is action, its all about the anticipation for the upcoming action sequence. It took me a while, to be honest to warm up to Seagal, but when I started to take him for what he was, an actor who knows akido who likes to put himself in films with younger starlets so he most likely can hit on them when they arent shooting film, I started to not mind the guy so much. He is tough in his movies. I definitely think he could take on most of the modern actions stars of today. One of the few 80's action stars still kicking butt. Good Job Steven!

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 8.5

Law Abiding Citizen

Gerard Butler and Jamie Fox star in this police murder mystery thriller which has Jamie Fox scrambling to prove Butler is a murder by finding some solid evidence and closing all the legal loopholes. Butler plays one of the smartest men who ever lived when it comes to killing and after the death of his family he goes on a killing spree in revenge by killing all the men and women who were involved with the case where the men were set free after killing his wife and daughter.

The whole movie goes to show just how messed up our legal system. Ideas like one murder gets off because he tells on the other murder and how just by not saying "I did it" a man can hint at it and discuss the murders they were going to commit but could not be touched because of rulings in court that prevented it.... It was really interesting, though I am not a lawyer, I do believe that it was realistic in the court scenes as old cases were used as foundations on newer cases and was, in the end, the way Gerard Butler was able to continue getting back at the system that failed him. Not saying that the court systems are corrupt, but they would definitely be knocked over and ridiculed if they were on the playground.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily

1-10: 7.5/8

Whatever Works

I am a HUGE fan of Larry David. Pretty much all of his jokes and shows and lines are funny in my book. He has a way, just like he did for Seinfeld, of taking the normal and mundane and turning it into a hilarious situation and or dilemma. I'm sure most Seinfeld fans know of his new show Curb Your Enthusiasm. Whatever Works is more along the lines of his show Curb. A troubled older man filled with hatred for todays society, finds love after divorce with a young, southern, lower class, dumb, impressionable blonde and soon he finds himself turning her into him basically and they get married. Soon she realized that there is more for her than this old disdainful man and a weird triangle of love ensues between him, her, her mom, the new younger man, a few of his friends.... i guess its not so much of a triangle and its not your typical love story either. But its good. A good twist on a human drama film which I can definitely compare to a Woody Allen film. I suggest this to all Seinfeld/Curb fans....

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 8.5

Damage

As a WWE Superstar, Steve Austin made the natural progression into acting with a few low budget films that I am almost sure always go straight to DVD, as well they should. No offense to Stone Cold, but he is better fit standing on the ropes smashing beer cans open and pouring them over his face as he flips the bird to the crowd and reads off scripts showing how much of a B.A. he is as he fake wrestles other juiced up body-building D-bags. Unfortunately, he injured his back in the ring, which I guess WAS a legit injury not just for show, and he had to go to the next best unreal thing....acting. That being said, I still enjoyed the movie, for what it was worth: An action packed fight movie where the underdog ends up achieving glory. Any athlete can appreciate that. Damage tells the tale of an ex-con who tries to repay the family of man he killed in self defense by fighting to earn money so that the wifes child can get the surgery she needs..... Dont go into this movie expecting Oscar-worthy performances and you will enjoy this movie on a Saturday afternoon.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily

1-10: 7

The Proposal

Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock join hands in this romantic comedy about a boss and her secretary falling in love. Bullock is forced to leave the country because of a mix up with her visa and she decides, much to the dismay of Reynolds character, that they were going to be married in order to save her status with the U.S. Customs. Reynolds, before finding out of his engagement, absolutely despises Bullock because of her less than cooperative attitude and once the opportunity arises, Reynolds finds a way to make himself happy, his boss happy, and in the end he falls in love, of course, and they live happily ever after. A few entertaining scenes but there are definitely too many of this type of movie out already.... Come on writers!!!!!!!!!! Do something original! The only new thing in the romantic comedy world these days are just the combinations of actors put together.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily

1-10: 6.5

Zombieland

A rag-tag team of survivors after zombies took over the U.S. desperately search for a safe haven while they all compete for being the top dog. Some live by a code and others do what has to be done to keep themselves alive. Fortunately, the team understands in a weird way, that they all need eachother to get by not only for their physical well being but to ease their stressed out lives as well.

What a great take on a zombie apocolypse. Zombie movies are by far my favorite genre so I was excited when I heard about this version of zombie movie. The standouts in my opinion were Woody Harrelson and Abigail Breslin. Their roles made the movie what it was....entertaining. A funny yet dramatic film dealing with relationships during a ghoul invasion sounds like something that has been made 1000 times...which it has. However, this film definitely made its own mark, with its unique humorous take on life on the run. Not really spoiling but I personally enjoyed Bill Murray's cameo about midway through. Please enjoy this movie like I did. Not scary enough for you to keep your light on at night but it was definitely intense enough to keep you on the edge of your seat.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 9

Angels and Demons

Tom Hanks fixed his hair a bit for this sequel so, for that reason alone, I find myself following the story a little better. The sequel to Davinci Code was MUCH more entertaining and kept my attentions with the action sequences that took up more of the movie than the previous. After discovering that the Illuminati were on a quest to wipe out the pope and all the possible popes at one time, Hanks along with his new, unrealistically pretty physicist (no offense to physicists, but I have never had a good looking woman as a science professor or science teacher) go and try to stop the murderous individual trying to change history and also steal ant-matter to change the world. It sounds Sci-Fi but I think that anyone enthralled with good drama, murder-mystery, the secrets of the Vatican (even if they are unreal) will find this movie very entertaining.

I liked the message at the end which basically said that even though you may not believe you are part of a calling, you may have a higher purpose in the big picture. Hanks character didnt believe that God could have sent him to save the church because he didnt believe in God. However, the man he saved in the middle of his investigation from the killer, ended up being the next pope (spoiler, sorry, had to prove my point).

My Elementary Grading Scale: Exceeding Expectations

1-10: 8.5

Sorority Row

I can now find another reason why sororities were not my "cup-o-tea". The script, minus the murderous "ghost", had the group of sisters acting much like the sisters I met and avoided in college. After an accidental death the girls try to cover up a murder that they all took part in. Unfortunately, they should have skipped town, because as time passes, more people find out and that is when people start dying.... Scream 1,2, or 3 anyone????

Audrina Patridge from the hit "reality/unreality" tv show, The Hills, plays in her first major role in a big-budget film. Her 20 minutes on the screen, however, did not make too much of an impact or show any talent and the movie itself was just another "horror-who-dun-it-ghost of girl who died". The only way you can actually enjoy this movie is if you were watching this movie would be to watch SO many good movies before it that you feel that you need to pay some kind of respect to the bad movies that were made.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Needs Improvement

1-10: 5.5

Year One

Jack Black and Michael Cera play a duo of Cro-Magnons who are somewhat of an outcast team who are evicted from their tribe and forced to travel through lands that remind me so much of Mel Brooks' History of the World. From a warped Cane and Abel, to a idiotic Roman army, the story has its own twist but like I said, its not original.

I am a little behind on this one but I just now am getting back into movie-watching. I must say, it wasn't the worst movie to start off with. For all Jack Black fans, this is your movie. I have, however, met an equal group of people who really dislike the guy. Fortunately, I am a fan so I was able to sit through the movie and enjoy his humor. Michael Cera, plays his one and only character that he plays in every movie, the awkward/quiet/self-deprecating kid but makes a good straight-man for Black.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily

1-10: 7.5

I Am Back

After months of waiting, I have decided to return to my movie postings. Mostly because of the newly available free time that living and playing basketball in Germany affords me. I have watched 20 movies in the last 16 days and I will begin reviewing them here shortly. I just wanted to get a post up for all to see that they can now breath, relax, and enjoy the chance to hear about the movies before you go see them, or just to get another persons perspective on a movie they like or dislike. PLEASE, if you have anything to comment about or add to the review, do so frequently and as much as you like. Thanks to all who follow. See ya soon! ~Matthew