Zathura

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Zathura
Where: on cable
Why: I've never seen it

I really enjoyed Zathura. It's basically the movie Jumanji, but in space, but it was still good.

The movie features 2 brothers, a 6 year old and a 10 year old. Of course, the 6 year old wants to play with the 10 year old, but the 10 year way too cool for that. He's in 4th grade and has a girlfriend for crying out loud!

As the 6 year old goes in the basement (of an old house his divorced father just bought) he finds the board game of Zathura (nobody saw that coming huh?). The tin game is obviously from the '50s or something, but everything is automatic. He presses a button to "spin", and a card shoots out of the game. "Watch out for meteors". Since the 6 year old can't really read, he asks his brother for help reading the card. All of a sudden, meteors are crashing thru the roof and falling all over the living room. The boys hide in the fireplace, and after a couple minutes, the living room is totally trashed, but the shower is over.

Well, now the 10 year old has been "forced" into the game. He reads the instructions and realizes that if they finish the game, everything will go back to normal. Thank goodness, b/c the living room is totally trashed and their dad ran out for a moment!

Crazy thing after crazy thing happens as the boys keep playing. By now their house is floating in outer space, aliens are about to board their 'house', and their older sister (the girl from Twilight) is frozen in a cryogenic state.

Thankfully, an astronaut (Dax Sheppard) shows up at their floating house to help with the alien problem. Dax the astronaut also had an alternative motive for being there. I won't ruin the surprise for you, but it didn't make a whole lot of logical sense, but it was still kind-of sweet.

Of course, they manage to get out of the game and the brother learn to work together, but how they get to the end game is pretty cool. Neat space effects! I highly recommend it!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Who:  Amber
What:  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Where:  cable
Why: I'm on a HP kick!

In my mini Harry Potter mania, I watched the 4th (I think???) movie, the Prisoner of Azkaban. This book/movie was probably the most suspenseful, both Sirius Black (the deranged killer on the loose) and Professor Lupin (the sucker who took over the Defense Against the Dark Arts job) aren't who they really seem.

Granted, if you read the books, it's not all the suspenseful, but if not, be ready to be surprised!

This movie was very long, and very intertwined.  Be ready for a long 'magical' going back in time sequence!  Oh that super smart Heromie, what will she get into next?

The big wizard news story of the year is escaped prisoner Sirius Black.  He's been there for 12 years, and he wants revenge on … guess who … Harry!  Seriously, Harry can't just can't catch a break.  12 years ago Sirius told Lord Voldemort where Harry's parents were hiding. Sirius is responsible for Harry's parents death!  Or is he …

Be sure to either read this book or see this movie.  One of the major characters is Buckbeak the Hippogrif.  When Universal opens Harry Potter Land next year, I believe Buckbeak will have his own ride.

Did I mention that magical people can willingly turn themselves into animals (awesome!).  So is that dog really a dog?  And how about that rat with only 9 fingers?  Is that a werewolf a person, or a killer werewolf?

Find this movie on ABC Family and check it out!

Into The Wild

Who: Liz
What: Into the Wild
Where: my living room
Why: I bought at the Circuit City close out!

I had heard this movie was really good and Emile Hirsch did a fabulous job, so I really wanted to see it. So when it was $4.00 I just bought it!
It was excellent. It is about this young man, Chris, played by Emile, who wants to live his life instead of seeking a job or law school after graduating from college. So he gives the balance of his college funds to charity and sets off across the US. Wow, I give him a lot of credit. It is based on a true story and it takes place in the early '90s.
The movie tells of the people he comes across on his quest to get to the wilds of Alaska and then what happens when he gets there. How he survives on almost no money and learns to take care of himself. The bad part was that he was mad at his parents and never called them. They were very concerned and it brought them together. But he never called his sister either and she narrated part of the story. One of the persons he met across the way was this older man Ron, played by Hal Holbrook. Mr. Holbrook was nominated for an Oscar for this role.
There was this really gross part when he killed a moose, it was horrible as he skinned it and stuff. Also you should be aware that there was some nudity, but it wasn't gratuitous nudity!
The cast was excellent including Vince Vaughn, Jena Malone, Marcia Gay Harden and William Hurt. The movie was directed by Sean Penn, too. I think he is so talented.
Of course the ending was very sad to me, but in the end, I really enjoyed this movie.

The Muppet Movie

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Muppet Movie
Where:  @ home - Jonathan owns it
Why:  I felt like watching it

Even though this movie was made in the 70s, it seems so timeless.  I mean, besides the 70s fashions.

This story chronicles how all the Muppets became friends and became movie stars!  Kermit meets a Hollywood agent in his swamp and decides to go to Hollywood to audition for a part.  On the road he meets Fozzie Bear (after Fozzie bombs at a comedy club).  Luckily Fozzie has a car, so off they go!

They run in the the Electric Mayhem band (Zoot is my favorite!), Gonzo & Camilla (a chicken), Miss Piggy and Rolf.  They also run into Doc Hopper, who is opening a chain of french fried frog leg restaurants, and he wants Kermit to be the spokesman.  Of course, Kermit is not interested, but Doc Hopper is obsessed!

Throw in a TON of 70s stars (honestly, I didn't recognize most of them - except Steve Martin and Richard Pryer) and a ton of classic songs ("Someday I'll find it, the rainbow connection ...") and you have a classic movie!

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspien

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Chronicles of Narnia:  Prince Caspien
Where:  at home - Jonathan got the DVD for Christmas
Why:  I've never seen it

Let me just start out with, I'm not a huge fan of Narnia or Narnia-type movies.  In fact, Jonathan saw this in the theater by himself, while I went to go see Zohan (by myself).

This movie wasn't half bad, it's just not my cup of tea.

With in the first 5 minutes, the kids are whisked back to Narnia, which I was happy about.  Why waste time in England?!?  Turns out Prince Caspien is in trouble (people who want to be king are trying to get rid of him and steal the throne), and he blows a magical horn to bring the kids to Narnia.

Once they are there, they realize that Narnia has gone to pot, and try to figure out what happened.  Turns out the land of humans (where Prince Caspien lives) have made the Narnian extinct ... or so they thought!

The 4 kids, and Prince Caspien (totally shocked to see 'real live' Narnians!) wage a war to regain their independence.  They are tired of hiding in the woods, pretending not to be alive.

One big war after another, everybody lives happily ever after.

If you were a fan of the first movie, then I recommend you check this one out.  If you haven't seen the first one yet, then this movie might not make any sense.

Bolt

Who:  Amber, Jonathan & Jonathan's entire family
What:  Bolt
Where:  Sullivan 6 - tiny theater in Missour-A
Why:  It's Disney!

I also saw Bolt over the Thanksgiving weekend, and I loved it!  I had heard other people say, "meh - it was ok", but I think it was better than ok.  I, on the other hand, highly recommend it!

I was afraid it would be a cheesy "we're traveling across the country" montage.  Thankfully, there was a montage, but it was insanely cute.

Ok, I'm getting off track.  Bolt is Penny's dog.  Although Penny is no ordinary kid, she's a TV star in an action-style TV show.  But Bolt is the REAL super hero of the show.  Thanks to TV magic, he can 'bend' metal, his eyes are lasers, he can jump super far and run super fast.  Bolt believes he can actually do these things - b/c he never EVER leaves the set.  He never gets to be a real dog.  He always honestly thinks Penny is in grave danger, and he relishes his opportunity to save her each week.

Well, when Bolt gets off the set for the first time, and ends up in NYC (long story), and a wise cracking ally cat has to set him straight.  After a while, Bolt does realize he has no super powers, but actually enjoys being a real dog.  Who knew sticking your face out of a car door was totally awesome!?!?

It's Disney, so you know Bolt will make it back to Penny in LA, but he has some wild and funny adventures along the way.

Best line (by the hamster), "I'll go get a ladder."

Australia

Who: Jaclyn
What: Australia
Where: AMC West Oaks (In the ghetto....)
Why: Hugh Jackman, hello?!

Let me preface this post by saying, this movie would have been a hell of a lot better if it had more Jackman and less Kidman.

This movie takes place during WWII when Australia was attacked by the Japanese after they attacked Pearl Harbor.

Drover (Hugh Jackman) is a stock-man and has to embark on one of the biggest cattle drives he's ever done when Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman), who has just inherited her husband's cattle ranch convinces him that they need to shake up the current beef monopoly in Australia... the Carney Cattle Company.

There is of course evil afoot when Carney and his people find out what Sarah is trying to do. She also finds out that one of the people who previously worked for her husband was also responsible for his death.

The kid in the movie steals the show. I'm not one for children normally but he was cute, though at times a bit cheesy. It was funny how he affectionately refers to Sarah as "Mrs. Boss".

It was a LOOOOONG movie. It probably could have been shortened, but it was still good. It looks like Nicole Kidman had some lip work done before filming. They drove me nuts through the whole movie because they just looked...off. And would it have killed the director to give Hugh a few more shirtless scenes? I think not.

The Ruins

Who: Jaclyn
What: The Ruins
Where: @ Home
Why: Didn't want to bother seeing it in the theater

The Ruins is about two couples of spring breakers in Mexico who are having a grand old time until a creepy (in my opinion) German guy asks if they want to go to a site where his brother is excavating.

The crazy kids, being up for adventure decide to go. When they get to the site, which turns out to be a Mayan temple, there are some local yokels that come out of the woods and start screaming at the tourists in a language they can't understand.

Something bad happens then, but I won't give it away. The kids retreat up the temple and worse things start to happen from there. Hallucinations, chaos and tons of bloodshed.

Overall, not bad for a rental, but glad I didn't waste time in the theater. I hear the book is better.

Be Kind Rewind

Who: Jaclyn
What: Be Kind Rewind
Where: @ Home
Why: I don't know why anymore...

Be Kind Rewind is about a couple of buddies (Jack Black and Mos Def). One of them works in a junkyard (Jack Black) and the other works at the local video store...that only carries VHS (Mos Def).

When the video store owner goes away, he leaves Mos Def in charge. Well something happens to JB's character which magnetizes him. Of course, when he visits his friend in the store, he ends up erasing all of the VHS movies.

When the two of them realized what happened, they have to act quickly to fix the problem since the store owner checks in with one of the regulars there and she's coming to rent a movie.

Believing that she won't know the difference, they quickly shoot a home movie of Ghostbusters (the movie she wanted) and stuff it in the case, ready for her arrival. Once more of the customers come for rentals, they have to start making other movies.

45 minutes into this movie, I wondered why I was still watching it. It sounds like a funny concept but it's SO slow and the acting is SO horrible that when it finally hit the hour mark, I stopped it and returned it...no rewinding necessary.

Be Kind (to yourself) and don't bother.

The Marine

Who:  Amber
What:  The Marine
Where:  @ home - free HBO weekend
Why:  It has John Cena in it

I figured a movie made by "WWE Films" won't be winning any awards anytime soon, which means it was made for me!

This was just a good old fashioned action movie.

John Cena (character's name was also John) is a Marine.  A Marine with huge muscles!!!  John Cena is a WWE wrestler, and a nice looking man.  He breaks a Marine rule and is discharged.  He is devistated, but his wife is glad he's home and out of harms way.

Meanwhile, some bad guys rob a jewelry store and kill some cops.

The wife recommends they hop in the car and go for a drive.  Unfortunately, they end up at a gas station with the thieves.  One things leads to another, and the wife is kidnaped.  And the chase begins!!

John miraculously survives being blown up 3 times, shot at about 100 times and eaten by alligators.  Will he save his wife?  Well, of course he will.  It's still a fun, pointless, action packed movie.

Did I mention John Cena is pretty hot?

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Who:Terry & Mitchel
What: Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Where:Beloit, Wi.
Why: Cause I am the Crazy Puppy Lady

OMG, Kerri is right, I *am* The Crazy Puppy Lady.  I guess I can confess to using Mitchel as a ploy to go see a dog movie.  And I must say, I was not disappointed!!!  I laughed, I cried and I cried again.   The dogs are totally cute in this movie, and the voices that talk for them are perfect.  Drew Barrymore as the BH chihuahua, Chloe was a great choice and George Lopez as Papi.   Chloe's owner goes off on a business trip and leaves Chloe with a niece which of course doesnt take proper care of the dog and she gets lost and the adventure begins.   Enter the cutie pie gardner with his dog Papi to help look for the dog that has gotten loose in Mexico.  There is also a rat and an iguana that are quite funny in this too.   I guess what got to me was the scenarios they set up and I was thinking how they happen in real life, minus the talking of course.   The dog fight scene made me cry cause  I know that is very real, and very sad what they do to these dogs.   Mitchel cracked up at the movie and he loved it.    So i guess from us it's a double thumbs up!!!  I will buy this movie.   Along with a herd of chihuahua's, a pit bull, a German Shepard (who was gorgeous in the movie) and a load of mutts!!!!    

Dudley DoRight

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Dudley DoRight
Where:  @ home - free HBO weekend
Why:  Jonathan picked

Man, this movie was pretty bad.  And it wasn't bad b/c all the actors were acting like cartoon characters (very fake-ish), the plot line was just pretty slim.

We meet Dudley DoRight (Brenden Fraiser), a Canadian Mountie.  We don't get much of his background.  All we know is he has wanted to be a Mountie his entire life, and he's some kind-of moron.  Then there is Nell (Sarah Jessica Parker).  She's the sweetest gal in town.  And our villian is Snidley Whiplash (Doc Oc from Spiderman 2).  He's got a kick butt name, and he lives for causing trouble.

The problem is, I'm kind-of confused about Snidley's plan.  He buys some gold, plants it all over town, and tells the media that there is "free gold here in Canada!".  All the Americans sprint up to Canada to pan for the gold.  They are getting rich, and spending money in their town.  That doesn't seem so bad.  Oh yeah, Snidley has pretty much bought everything IN town, renamed it "Whiplash City" ... so he is making a huge profit off this.

Snidley and Dudley duel over Nell.  They have a final showdown with the help of some local Indians, and of course Dudley wins.  It was all just ... over.  Not much plot happening.  Even some random Eric Idol and Regis and Kathie Lee (yes, this was in the Kathie Lee days) can't save this movie.

Get a Clue

Who:  Amber
What:  Get a Clue
Where:  @ home - randomly recorded off Disney Channel
Why:  You can't go wrong with a Disney movie

How cute is little Lindsay Lohan.  She was about 13 in this movie.  She has great red hair, a face full of freckles and minimal make up on.  She 'was' a great little actress.

Lindsay Lohan is a rich kid in NYC with a great wardrobe.  But the refreshing thing is that she's really smart and extremely polite.  She has an attentive dad and a wonderful mom.  She's not a stupid movie ditz.  Very nice!

Lexi (Lohan) writes a newspaper story for her school paper, and her teacher turns it in to a regular newspaper - and it gets published!  It's a story about 2 of her teachers, with a photo of both of them.  Turns out, the guy teacher (Mr. Walker) is a fugative from 12 years ago.  Somebody sees his photo, and he 'disappears'.  Lexi, her best & super fashionable friend, and 2 boys from school team up to figure out what happened to Mr. Walker.

Will they find Mr. Walker alive (his car was found in the river)?  Who is this homeless guy wearing Mr. Walker's ugly jacket?  Who is this so-called private detective who is also looking for Mr. Walker?

If you're ever surfing the channels, and run across Disney Channel, and Get a Clue is on - I recommend giving it a try.

Big Fat Liar

Who:  Amber
What:  Big Fat Liar
Where:  @ home - DVRed off cable
Why:  I like Amanda Bynes

I admit it.  I, a grown woman, looked up 'Amanda Bynes' on my DVR and recorded all her movies.  She's such a cutie, and she's a great little comedian.

This was a fun movie.  Frankie Muniz and Amanda Bynes are 14.  They are best friends (nothing more - that was kind-of sweet).  Frankie is a liar.  He lies to his English teacher, he lies to his parents ...

Long story short, he writes an English paper about a big, fat, liar (himself).  It gets stolen by a Hollywood producer and is going to be made into a movie.

So Frankie and Amanda head to Hollywood.  How do two 14 year olds get to Hollywood on their own?  Don't worry about it.

They find the producer, he won't admit that he stole the story, so they try to make his life a living hell.  Good thing the producer is a huge jerk, because his assistant, director, limo driver, stunt man, security, etc all agree to help Frankie and Amanda.

Is this movie over the top and silly - yes.  Is there a pointless montage of trying on Hollywood costumes - yes.  Do Frankie and Amanda ever eat anything while they are in Hollywood on their own - no.  Do I recommend this movie to adults and children alike - YES!

True Lies

Who: Amber
What: True Lies
Where: at home - TNT (cable)
Why: Why not?!?

This is one of those great "I need some background noise so I'll watch a movie" movie.  It is also classic Ar-Nuld!

Let's be honest - who hasn't seen True Lies? Arnold is kicking some serious terrist butt (using a make shift flame thrower), Jamie Lee Curtis is attempting to pole dance (I'm all about females who have some meat on their bones - you go girl!), and it's some Dancing-With-The-Stars in the making tango with Tia Carry (sp?)!

Even though Tom Arnold has really gotten the shaft from the media (Rosanne!), he is hilarious in this movie. He never stops blabbing, and it's gold!

Into the Wild

Who: Bill and Melanie
What: Into the Wild
Where: DVD
Why: We were told this movie was “inspiring”. It isn’t.

SPOILER ALERT-- DON’T READ IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW HOW IT ENDS.

The good news: Into the Wild features an all-star cast including Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt and Hal Holbrook.

The bad news: Into the Wild is a seriously depressing movie which was produced, directed and co-written for the screen by Sean Penn, who used to be semi-talented before he decided to force his unsolicited political opinions on everyone.

Here is the basic plot: Christopher McCandless (played by Hirsch) becomes disillusioned with his family and society. He hikes deep into the Alaskan wilderness where he eventually dies alone. The end.


Okay, there is more substance to the movie. He meets interesting people along his journey, he actually enjoys abandoning his comfortable past and all the while plots a future move to become a world-champion Speed Racer… okay, maybe not that last part.

It doesn’t matter if many critics loved Into the Wild. We hated it.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Where: at home - on cable (although we own it on DVD too, so why were we watching it on TV with commercials?)
Why: Why not - it's one of the best movies ever!

First of all, who hasn't seen this movie?!?  (Actually, I know my friend Katie hasn't seen it - that just blows my mind!)

In my opinion, this is the best Indiana Jones movies out there. Normally introducing a "random father" into a successful movie franchise would be cheesy and super lame, but this somehow works.

I'm also a sucker for movies involving mazes and obstical type courses. "Only the penetant man shall pass".  Priceless!  Now, since he finds the correct cup and drinks the water (oops - did I just ruin the ending?), shouldn't he have eteranal life?  They just kind-of blow over that fact and end the movie with them riding off into the sunset.

Side note:  Jonathan just bought a tiny Lego set from this movie.  It has a Lego Indy and the more adorable Lego Sean Connery!!!  They are on the motorcycle with the little side caddy for Sean Connery.

Get Smart

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Get Smart
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  Jonathan wanted to see it

This movie was HILARIOUS!!!  I can't recommend this movie enough.  I'm guessing it was rated PG13 (a guess), but there was little to no swearing, no nudity or sexual stuff.  There were guns and violence, but nothing graphic at all.  Fun for the entire family (over the age of 6).

I have no recollection of the TV show, so I have nothing to base this movie on.  I assumed Steve Carrell would play a bumbling, moronic FBI type agent who would constantly almost get himself killed and blow the mission.  But he was nothing like that!  He was a super smart agent who was a great shot with a gun.  I think he saved his partner more times than she saved him.  He was a little bumbling, but nothing over the top.

A great supporting cast including The Rock, Alan Arkin (who was kind-of a moron), a giant Russian guy, David Koeckner, the dad from Everybody Hates Chris, and more.  Again, I can't recommend this movie enough - just good old fashioned fun.

And a shout out to the guy who was SNORING really loudly in the theater for about 1 minute.  Was the movie keeping you awake sir?

Con-Air

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Con-Air
Where: at home - on cable
Why: One of the greatest movies ever!

"This is your BBQ Syrus, and it tastes good."

"But the bunny back in the box."

I could watch Con-Air every single day, and never grow tired of it. I think it's the ultimate action movie! You've got your overtaking of the plane, fighting the bad guys at the airfield, and a plane crash in Las Vegas. Wait - it's not over yet, now we have a car chase in LA. And finally the bag guys are all taken care of ... or are they?!?

I really wish Nicholas Cage didn't have his ridiculous (southern?) accent, but he was sure ripped for this movie! And the rest of the cast was spectacular! One of the prisoners (Johnny 23) was an actual prisoner for 11 years, before he cleaned himself up and discovered acting. John Malkovich as the super smart ring leader is hilarious. And Steve Bushemi is just creepy. I think he gets uglier and uglier. I can't stop stairing at his crooked teeth.

Con-Air, and another Nicholas Cage gem - The Rock, should be required viewing for all!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Who: Jaclyn
What: Indiana Jones 4 (for short)
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: Everyone else was doing it...

Ok, let me first start off by asking, "why!?"! Why was this movie made? I know a lot of IJ fans were wanting another one, as well as George and Steven wanting to make one, but COME ON! At 2 hours and some odd minutes, this could have been cut down to one hour, maybe one and a half.

It's a few years after his last "adventure/crusade" and Indy is captured by Soviets in a plot to find this so-called "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull". Cate Blanchett is wonderful as Irina Spalko, the leader of this communist group. She is completely obsessed (yet sometimes really annoying) with finding the crystal skull that seems to have power over people and is somehow a magnet.

There are a lot of funny moments in this movie, including Indy finding out he has a son, played by Shia LeBeouf. But the effects are not great. Gone are the old-time stunts that made movies more exciting and in their place, CGI effects that are so fake.

This movie is not like any of his past quests because he's not looking for some typical ancient artifact (well, not really) but rather alien remains/objects that somehow have something to do with Area 51. He spends only minimal time in Area 51, but the atomic bomb testing is priceless.

This movie rips off every Pirates of the Caribbean movie and some National Treasure moments as well. Now, some may argue that since the "idea" or maybe even the script for IJ4 was started some 15 years ago, that these movies stole from IJ...but I'm thinking no.