Review-Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

Nicholas Cage is back as Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider in the new film Ghost Rider:Spirit of Vengeance. This sequel to the 2007 film finds Johnny hiding from the world to avoid unleashing the Rider. He still suffers with this "curse" from the deal he made with the devil to save his father. When a man named Moreau (Idris Elba) offers him a way to lift his curse, he comes out of hiding. His job is to locate and protect a boy from Roarke(Ciaran Hinds), aka the devil. The movie has a good amount of pyrotechnics graphics and Nicholas Cage being Nicholas Cage. If you like the first one, you will have a better shot of liking the second one. The movie almost seems like a good direct to video(or indie film) sequel than a straight up theatrical release. The budget of the movie will show at times compare to that of the first film. I did like the direction of the film(the directors were Neveldine/Taylor, the directors of the Crank movies) and had some really cool scenes. If you blink, you will miss appearances of two stars of sci-fi lore.
P.S. There is no need to watch this in 3D.

Review-Safe House

Safe House is the lastest action/drama film starting Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds. The story focuses on Tobin Frost(Washington), an ex CIA operative wanted for espionage and treason. For reasons known only to him, he surrenders and is taken to a safe house. When things go awry, it is up to CIA agent Matt Weston(Reynolds) to deliver Frost safely to face the crimes that he has committed. On the surface, Safe House looks like a carbon copy of action dramas like Man on Fire, Smokin' Aces and Broken Arrow. When you look beyond that, you get a good solid entry into that movie genre. The movie, underneath it all, is a very good morality play. It lets you see both sides of the coin while they are wrestling with each other. It is because of this and the great acting of its stars that I can recommend this film. There are visuals and sounds in here, especially the last twenty minutes, that gives even more weight to the theme of the movie.

Review-The Grey

The Grey is the newest action/drama film from director Joe Carnahan(Narc, Smoking Aces, The A-Team) starring Liam Neeson. Ottway (Neeson) is part of an Alaska oil drilling team that keeps separate from the group and his thoughts to himself. When the plane that the team is on crashes, Ottway must become the vocal leader of the survivors. Not only do they have to brave the elements(snowstorm) but survive a pack of wolves as well. The crash happens right where the wolves live at, which makes them angry and territorial. I thought this movie was well done and I really enjoyed it. You have so many layers of conflict to this film. You have man versus man, nature, and beast that is woven together pretty good. There is also man battling versus himself throughout the film that is handled exceptionally well. Every survivor does not have a black and white story to them(hence the title). As I recommend this film wholeheartedly, I do offer this advice. PLEASE, when you watch the movie, STAY PAST THE CREDITS! This movie will leave you disappointed if you don't watch the last scene after the credits.

Oscar Nominations are in.

The Oscar nominations were released today and there were plenty of things to talk about. It can be broken down into four categories.
1. The no surprise nominations*:
      George Clooney and Brad Pitt got nominated for their roles in The Descendants and Moneyball,   respectfully.
      Meryl Streep and Glenn Close are nominated again. Streep for her role as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady and Close for the title character Albert Nobbs.
      The Help got nominated for Best Picture and for three of its actress(Viola Davis for Best actress, Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer for Best Supporting Actress).
*because he/she/that movie was that good

2.The surprise nominations were:
     Bridesmaids got two nominations (for Best Original Screenplay Melissa McCarthy for Best   Supporting Actress)
     Jonah Hill (for his role of Peter Brand in Moneyball)
     Hugo (for getting eleven  nominations, the most of any film this year)

3.The Snubbed section:
     50/50  not getting nominated
     Any song,other than two, that wanted a chance at a Best Original Song Oscar.
     The Adventures of Tintin not getting nominated for Best Animated Film
     Judi Dench for Best Supporting Actress for My Week with Marilyn

4. Wow. I'm happy about that nomination.
    The rest of the nominations for My Week with Marilyn
    Melissa McCarthy(mentioned earlier)
    Gary Oldman getting his first nomination for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

The Oscars winners will be announced February 26.  Here's the list of nominees to prep you for your Oscar pool this year.

My top 10 of 2011 list

My top 10 movies of 2011

My guilty pleasure movies that I've seen in 2011

Review- My Week With Marilyn

My Week With Marilyn is a true story about two people working in a world that is bigger than themselves. The movie takes place behind the scenes of the movie The Prince and the Showgirl. In 1956, Colin Clark(Eddie Redmayne) is eager to break into show business. He gets picked by actor Laurence Olivier(Kenneth Branagh) to work crew on his directorial debut. His costar for the film is a young actress named Marilyn Monroe(Michelle Williams,in a marvelous performance). Colin and Marilyn strike up a bond throughout the filming that threatens their hearts as well as the completion of the film. The movie is beautifully directed and has great performances in it, including Williams and Judi Dench.The complexities of the characters in the movie mirrored that of the movie world they live in and created. It is a intimate story that I would recommend everyone should watch, especially if you're a fan of film and Marilyn Monroe. For all the Harry Potter fan out there, Emma Watson has a supporting role in the movie as well.

Review-The Adventures of TIntin

The Adventures of Tintin, based on a series of books, is a fantastic new animated movie from director Steven Spielberg. The movie follows Tintin (voiced by Jamie Bell),a young  adventurer, and his dog on a mystery that starts with a model ship. The ship is constantly pursued by a mysterious man named Rackham(voiced by Daniel Craig). The pursuit of the truth about the ship leads Tintin from dry land to the high seas. The movie is at an even pace until Captain Haddock(voice by Andy Serkis) appears on screen. At that point, the roller coaster ride really begins. The animation is amazing. At times, you cannot even recognize that it is an animated film. The action keeps you going throughout, especially the mind blowing climatic scenes. It has a Raiders of the Lost Ark/ Pirates of the Caribbean(1st one) feel to it. Definitely go see it!