Twilight: New Moon

When the vampires from EVERY other vampire movie get together and decide to fight the vampires of the Twilight series, I think the Cullens would have NO chance. Probably the girliest version of a blood sucker, the New Moon vampires are totally in tune with their emotions but out of touch with their ability to totally annihilate anyone if they really wanted to. After Edward Cullen (Pattinson) decides to leave Bella (Stewart) in order to protect her, Bella can only see Edward through visions when she does crazy, adventurous, extreme, or straight up stupid things. She finds consoling in Jacob (Lautner) a werewolf of course, who obviously hit the "roids" for the series. With love triangle complete, Bella has put the ancient laws of the vampire and werewolf treaty at risk as both are willing to fight for her love. Bella, who really only has love for Edward, basically just teases and uses Jacob so she can bide her time.

Taking Kristen Stewart, a notoriously emo, quirky actress, and making her into an adrenaline junkie, was a very strange turn to this story. I have not read the books and I can only HOPE that there was more too this situation in the real story because I think the movie hacked it. Like I said earlier, these vampires are wimpy. I feel this movie was never meant for a mans eyes to see. The biggest question for any woman after this film is if you are on Team Pattinson or Team Lautner...... :P On the D.L. I didnt MIND the movie, I just wanted more manliness from the monsters that I have loved in all their other type of movies.

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily

1-10: 7.5

The Stepfather

After divorce, spouses often feel it necessary to eventually regain the nuclear family setting by finding a significant other to fill in the missing role. Unfortunately, this time, the divorce ex-wife found a serial killer to fill in that role and there is only one thing a serial killer wants to do when given the chance and opportunity.... kill everyone they can. This new father to be starts showing warning signs that there is something wrong, but as any horror movie goes, tell-tale signs always go either forgiven or unnoticed and sadly, it leads to 1st degree murders all over the place.

I thought that the horror film was actually quite good. It grabs at your emotions as you see a desperate mom yearning to bring her family together, an ex husband wanting to reconnect with his children who have turned their back on him for leaving, and a son who had just got back from military school struggling to get back into the family circle. All of this leads to a twisted tale of a fight for everyones lives as they slowly recognize that they have been duped by a serial killer. Its your everyday, normal "stepfather is actually a serial killer" scenario that we see every day in the real world. psyche! but its a good movie. I recommend it

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily

1-10: 8

The Informant

So far, this is my first movie I watched that was made as an attempt to win an Oscar. Matt Damon stars as an informant to the FBI who gradually reveals that their is much more going on with himself than anyone expected. Damon's mental issues contribute to a wacky tale of a man trying to help himself while hurting his career. Unknowingly the FBI think they have found a helpful informant who just wants to do whats right. Fortunately, for the movie, there is more going on than what seems....

Clever writing and a great story to those looking for a human drama movie. This movie was what I would consider a period piece. The clothing, the offices, colors, everything down to the desk lamps were precisely 80's and 90's and looked great. For some reason in this film I noticed the set more than the actors sometime.... I am not a huge Damon fan (except for when he plays Jason Bourne) and I actually thought he was entertaining. Great performances by the other actors in this film just helped make the story that much more entertaining. I approve of this film. :)

My Elementary Grading Scale: Progressing Satisfactorily

1-10: 7.5/8