Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What: Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj
Where:  on cable
Why:  Kal Penn is normally funny

Oh wow - this movie was not very good.  It was a cookie cutter movie you've seen 100 times. But if you enjoy British accents, that might be a good excuse to check it out.

If you remember Van Wilder, the hilarious movie staring Ryan Reynolds and Tara Reid, you might remember Van's sidekick Taj.  Actually, you probably don't remember him, because he was barely in the movie at all.  When Van Wilder came out, Kal Penn (probably best known for his Harold and Kumar roles) was a no-name actor.  But when he became immensely popular, he decided to make this piece of junk film.

Taj is a graduate student/teacher at some English University.  His father also attended this university, so he's pumped to pick up where his pimp father left off.   First stop - super awesome fraternity.  In cookie cutter format, the frat boys are total jerks and kick Taj and his bull dog out.

His only option is 'the barn', a building full of misfits (the nerd, the guy who doesn't talk, the hot girl (I'm not sure why she's a misfit) and a crazy Scottish soccer fan.   Taj teaches the kids about self respect and standing up for yourself … blah, blah, blah.  Of course, they throw a massive party and all the stuffing English people attend, which makes the snobby fraternity crazy mad!

Did I mention there is also a university wide competition to win 'The Cup"?  Seriously, this movie is Revenge of the Nerds all over again.

In typical cookie cutter format, Taj steals a girl away from the snobby frat (Revenge of the Nerds again!), the frat boys play a prank on Taj to make the girl mad at him, blah, blah, blah. You've seen and heard all this before.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Star Wars:  The Clone Wars
Where:  @ home on DVD
Why:  It was Jonathan's b-day present

**Warning - I will be spelling every single Star Wars name incorrectly!**  Ever since we went to Disney's Star Wars Weekends and saw Ashley Eckstein (the voice of Asoka), we've been The Clone Wars fans.  Thanks to DirectTV, we recorded all of season 1 of the animated series.  But the movie preceded the animated series, and I've always been curious about where Asoka came from.

Unfortunately, this movie doesn't answer any of those questions.  Asoka just shows up because Obi Wan Kanobi wanted another padawan learner.  Since Anakin turned out awesome, he's ready to teach again.  Asoka shows up and says she's here to learn from Anakin, not Obi Wan.  Well, he has no interest in a padawan learner.  He's a free spirit, he's reckless, he can't teach somebody. Nice switcher-o Obi Wan!

The Clone Wars is in full swing.  Obi Wan, Anakin and Asoka go from one battle to another. When to Jedi's rest or even eat or sleep?

Then Jabba the Hutt calls.  His son is missing!  Even though he's not a friend of the Republic (the good guys), helping out Jabba will be a great ally for later.  The Jedi's find Jabba's son right away, but he's very sick.  They need to get him back to Jabba alive, or he'll kill the Jedi's.  Also, the Empire (the bad guys) are trying to kill the Jedi's as well.  Count Duko (the main bad guy) has Jabba convinced that the Jedi's have already killed his son, and they are coming to kill Jabba as well.  Of course, the opposite is true.  Count Duko is the one who has actually captured his son.

Holy cow - Jabba is ugly, but his little baby son is adorable!  It makes me wonder, where do little Jabba's come from?!?  Think about that for a moment.

In typical Star Wars fashion, many droids are killed.  Red and blue gun fire is everywhere.  The clone troopers also fall dead left and right.  It's not bloody or anything, but those are still people dying.  It's kind-of graphic for little kids.  Although, also in typical Star Wars fashion, the Jedi win, and the bad guys loose.

The movie doesn't really end per say … this part of the battle is over, but there are many, many other battles to be won.  Stay tuned to Comedy Central for the continuation of the story.  Star Wars just keeps going and going and going!

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!

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Harry Potter 6
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  I just re-read the book

I just love everything and anything Harry Potter. I'm kind-of embarrassed about it, but I just can't help it. JK Rowling is some sort of genius.

Movie 5 ended with the death of Sirius Black, Harry's godfather and only real 'family'. Remember in movie 4 Harry's classmate Cedric Digory died? There seems to be a "movie ending with death" theme going on here … and movie 6 continues with that. Although I won't tell you who dies, but I guaranteed you'll be surprised (that is, unless you read the book).

This movie is less action and more character development. The Hogworts kids are all around 16-ish, so love is in there air. It's actually quite adorable. Hermoine is really into Ron, but he's such a doofis, so he has no clue. He just wants to date anybody to be cool, and Lavender Brown (a semi-ditzy girl) steps in. Lavender and "Won-Won" are snogging all over Hogworts. In the meantime, Hermoine is crying and obviously upset (Ron has no clue). Harry has a thing for Ron's little sister (Ginny), but it conflicted. #1, Ginny has a boyfriend. #2, it's Ron's little sister -- will that cross the line?

Did I mention that Ron's older siblings have a magic shop, and their hottest selling item is a Love Potion? Let's hope the girls at Hogworts don't get their hands on that! (duh - of course they will).

Besides all the lovely, dovey stuff, the main part of the story is Harry and Professor Dumbledore trying to learn everything they can about Lord Voldemort. They figure anything they learn about him will help. We see flashbacks to little Voldemort's life pre-Hogwards and life at Hogworts. Voldemort has discovered a very dark magic trick. You can actually split your soul into pieces and put your soul into a random object. This way, if your body dies, you don’t actually die! In typical Voldemort fashion, he's split is soul into 7 pieces. Dumbledore has found one of them, and takes Harry on a crazy journey to find it and destroy it.

I won't ruin anything else about the movie. The ending is a total shocker (if you've been living under a rock and didn't read the book … or had somebody who read the book ruin it for you) … so go see the movie!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix

Who:  Amber
What:  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (HP5)
Where:  borrowed it from my friend Dawnita
Why:  I'm getting ready for the next Harry Potter movie

Hi, I'm 33 years old and I love the Harry Potter movies and books.

This movie was great, as they all are, but extremely long. It seems like it would never end!

This movie starts where the 4th movie ended. Cedric has been killed by Voldemort, who is 100% back. Unfortunately, only Harry has seen Voldemort, so nobody really believes that he's back for good. Everybody is pretty much in denial. Harry is annoyed and ticked off at everybody who fails to believe him.

Thankfully, the Order of the Phoenix believes Harry. The Order of the Phoenix is a group of all the 'good guys' who plan to fight Voldemort. Ron's Parents, Sirius Black, Lupin, Tonks, etc. They are all living and planning things together at Sirius's boyhood home. Harry, Ron, Hermione are all staying there for the summer as well. As usual, the adults don't really tell Harry much of anything, which also really annoys him.

Since Harry knows Voldemort is back, and most of his friends believe him, they decide to take action. They need to learn how to defend themselves, and fast. Harry creates the "D.A." (Dumbledore's Army), and they sneak around after classes, practicing spells and jinxes.

The big finale is a huge showdown at the Ministry of Magic. There is a random prophecy that Voldemort needs (for some reason …). Since the prophecy is about Harry, he is the only one who can retrieve it. I can't remember why Harry thinks it's a good idea to retrieve the prophecy, but he does. In a "we're friends till the very end!" moment, Ron, Hermione and 3 other friends go with Harry to help him. Voldemort shows up, along with his powerful Death Eaters, and the showdown begins! Spells, jinxes, broken prophecies and the death of a major character later … (should I tell you the ending … I think not!)

Star Trek

Who: Scott & Kerri
What: STAR TREK
Where: Showplace 14, Machesney Park, IL
Why: Cause we were kidless and wanted to see a movie

I must preface this - I am NOT a Trekkie. I repeat I am not a Trekkie. I'm totally a Star Wars Girl. Although had this movie come out when I was a kid instead of that first piece of crap Trek movie, I would have been all in. This movie Rocked!

Even though I'm not a Trekkie, I know a "little" about the Star Trek Universe, but I don't know the ins and outs. Like I cracked up at "Dammit Jim I'm a Doctor not a Physicist." But was like "Spock's half human, did I know this?"

Just so you know where I'm coming from on this.

Again, This movie flippin Rocked!

It was fun, the effects were great, it had a lot of humor without being a parody of itself. It had action without making you feel worn out. There was really great character development, it let those of us who weren't born Klingon feel that we got a chance to know the characters and didn't feel left out of the film.

It starts off with James T Kirk being born, following him and Spock both through their childhoods with some quick scenes, where they meet at an Academy, and are suddenly thrust into action on the USS Enterprise. Did I mention the effects were great?? Did I mention it also made me laugh?

I don't want to really say too much more as to give the plot away, although everyone else in the world has probably already scene it, but for you three that haven't, GO WATCH NOW! We'll wait for you.

Are you back? Wasn't it great?

(Am I the only Star Wars Geek that was waiting for Han to show up on the snowy planet? That was HOTH wasn't it? ;) sorry, I digress)

X Men Origins: Wolverine

Who: Kerri, Scott & Mitchel
What: X Men Origins: Wolverine
Where: Showplace 14, Rockford IL
Why: Because it's Hugh Jackman!!

Now I preface this entire review on the fact that I am not into the comic books, I do NOT know the back stories as written in the comics, nor am I aware of how the comics and movies differ. This review is entirely based on what I do know, the XMen trilogy that came before this one. (And the fact I really like Hugh Jackman) There may also be some light spoilers, I will try not to give too much away, if you've read the comics I'm sure nothing will be new here.

This movie takes place prior to the trilogy - and you learn the story of Wolverine. We pick up with him as a child in 1845, he's ill and his father is taking care of him, a friend of his is also at his bedside. We learn that he's ill a lot, and his friend had been to, then one day just got better. Basically the mutation is starting to mature. Through accident, a young Logan realizes he has bones that can protrude and retract and his skin heals. He's also discovered a half brother. We watch as the two go through time as seen through them fighting in wars, from the Civil war through Viet Nam.

His brother has the ability to heal as well, and each appears as though they are only in their early 30's and are discovered by Gen Stryker (who you will remember in the XMen Trilogy). They join this elite team, but ultimately his brother grows darker and meaner, and Logan wants nothing to do with it. He leaves and finds a quiet life, and love.

Through loss and ultimately betrayal Logan agrees to undergo the antimantium procedure voluntarily. We do put some pieces together, where he got the name Wolverine, why he doesn't remember what happened to him, even where he got his leather jacket. I really liked Liev Shreiber as his brother, who eventually becomes Sabertooth. This is the one point I don't like Liev was a great Sabretooth, but differs so greatly from the same Character we saw in the first Xmen movie. I'm thinking they are taking great creative license here, or maybe there is something in this character's history that changes him over this time period as well and even made him forget his own brother?

It was an enjoyable movie a lot of great action, and if you like the character you should enjoy this movie. If you are a die hard comic guru, I'm sure there will be plenty that will make your skin itch, as there usually is in book to movie translations.

Live Free or Die Hard

Who:  Amber
What:  Live Free or Die Hard
Where:  @ home, I own it on DVD
Why:  It's a classic!

NYPD Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) randomly receives a phone call from the FBI to drive NY hacker named Matt Farrell (Justin Long) down to Washington. Turns out there was a hack in an FBI computer system, so they would like to question all hackers who are on the "list".

Right when John gets to Matt's apartment, a group of men show up and try to kill John and Matt. Of course, McClane manages to get them both out, and kill a bunch of the bad guys in the process.

As it turns out, a group of terrorists have hacked into EVERYTHING - shutting down airports, traffic lights, social security, everything!

Thankfully, Matt knows enough about hacking and can help McClane shut them down. But not with out some crazy adventures! Since the hackers can see everything (there are cameras everywhere you know), they are making it extremely hard for our 2 heros. McClane kills more bad guys and gets him self out of unbelievable situations (seriously - they were a tad unbelievable).

The final straw is when the hackers kidnap Lucy, McClane's college age daughter. Yippe-ki-aye - let's go rescue her!!!

If you love action movies, then this is a MUST SEE. There are some great action and fight scenes. Did you know you can blow up a helicopter with a car? And Justin Long and Bruce Willis work really well together. Bruce Willis is an old school dude, and Justin Long is a young whipper snapper. But their banter back and forth is hilarious!

Jeepers Creepers 2

Who:  Amber
What:  Jeepers Creepers 2
Where:  @ home off cable
Why:  Why the heck not!

If you've seen Jeepers Creepers (1), you know it was one of Justin Long's first leading rolls.  You also know it was a pretty lame horror movie!!  So when I heard they were making a 2nd one, I threw up a little in my mouth.

Honestly, it wasn't so bad.  In the sequel they didn't have to do a lot of character interaction, they just jumped right to the scary, winged man who eats people.

The movie opens and explains that every 23 years this weirdo comes out to feed for 23 days.  Thankfully, today is day 22.  Unthankfully, he's snatched a young boy from his father's farm.

Minutes later, a bus full of cheerleaders and basketball players gets a flat tire.  When the bus driver looks at the tire, she can tell it's been tampered with.  They are stuck in the middle of know where.  I wonder if that tire has been tampered with ... huh?!?  I mean, the crazy, fugly, winged guy is hungry and it's his last night!

Thankfully, the cheerleaders and basketball players aren't a bunch of horny, smoking hot teens (so cliched!).  They are a bunch of normal kids who are getting picked off one by one by the hungry dude.  All of a sudden *horn sound!*, the farmer shows up with a home made harpoon gun!

Will he save the day?  Or is this thing unkillable?

In typical horror movie fashion, it leaves it open for a sequel.  But the ending was really good!  It don't want to give anything away, but I was really pleasantly surprised.

Also, kudos for Justin Long coming back.  He only had 2 short scenes when he appears in a dream of a cheerleader, but it was refreshing to see.

Blade Trinity

Who:  Amber
What:  Blade Trinity
Where:  @ home on cable
Why:  I like background noise

Seriously, the budget for this movie must have been unbelievable!  Everywhere you turn there is a famous person!  Wesley Snipes, Jessica Biel, Ryan Reynolds, Spence (from King of Queens), and Triple X (from WWE wrestling) is one of the vampire henchmen.  Awesome!

After killing human/vampires for 2 movies, Blade finds himself a wanted man by the cops and FBI. He's also still fighting an up hill battle with more vampires and their "humans".

But there are still some good guys around, the Nightstalkers (Biel and Reynolds). Blade joins forces with them to hunt the king of the vampires himself - Dracula. The vampire nation has awakened Dracula in order to use his blood to help them become hybrids, or daywalkers, like Blade. Man, those other vampires are so jealous of Blade!

Thankfully, Blade and a scientist have come up with a permanent solution. Some super drug that will kill all vampires (yeah, I didn't really understand how it would work). You know how you always hear that you should "kill the head vampire and all other ones would die". Well, injecting Dracula should kill all the other ones.

One huge vampire blood-kicking fight later and they are saved! Or are they ...

Honestly, if you've seen Blade 1 (great movie!) and Blade 2 (meh ...), then finish up the trilogy with Blade 3.  If you haven't bothered with the 2nd movie, then don't bother with this one.  Unless you enjoy seeing Ryan Reynolds shirtless, then by all means, check this out!!!

Freddy vs. Jason

Who:  Amber
What:  Freddy vs. Jason
Where:  @ home off cable
Why:  The 3rd movie in my horror movie marathon

This movie was cheese ball city - but if you are a fan of either Freddy Krugar (Nightmare on Elm Street) and/or Jason Voorhes (Friday the 13th), then you must see this movie!

The movie starts out with Freddy's back story.  They even show clips from his old movies!  Basically, the kids on Elm Street have forgotten all about him, so he's lost all his power.  His plan is to have Jason start killing people in Elm Street, then everybody will think he's back ... start to remember him, and *wham* his power will be resorted!  Then he can get rid of Jason, and continue killing kids himself.

Of course, the first to go are the slutty teens and the underage drinkers.

There is a quality back story with our main girl (somebody I've never seen before), her doctor father who works in a mental hospital and her boyfriend from 4 years ago who disappeared, who was actually in the mental hospital (although she didn't know that).

The kids and a young cop realize what is going on, and devise a plan to bring Freddy out of their dreams and into real life so Jason can get rid of him.  Let the serial killer showdown begin!

Who will win?!?  I'll never tell ... although the new Friday the 13th movie came out last weekend, so maybe that gives it away a little bit.

Final Destination 2

Who:  Amber
What:  Final Destination 2
Where:  I own it on DVD
Why:  It's Friday the 13th

I love horror movies - and the movies in the Final Destination series scare the poop out of me.  I think it's because they are so 'real'.  I mean, there are people dying right and left, which is unrealistic, but they are dying from 'real' things.  There isn't a zombie, or a killer shark, or a maniac with a chainsaw.  They are falling off ladders or getting in car crashes.

This movie starts out with a girl (wow - I already forgot her name.  It's AJ Cook - who plays JJ on Criminal Minds) going on a spring break with 3 friends.  She gets on the highway, and all of a sudden a huge log falls off a logging truck.  The truck screeches to a hault, more logs fall off, and there is a huge pile up.  Her car is flipping over and over.  Many people are killed in the crash.  A burning semi truck is headed right for her upside down car ... then she wakes up.  She's had a crazy vision of what is about to happen.  Sitting at the green light, about to merge on to the highway, she realizes all the cars behind her will all crash with her.  She turns her car so nobody can get by.

Of course, all the cars stuck behind her at the light are totally annoyed ... until they realize she saved their lives ... or did she?

You see, when it's your time to go, it's your time to go.  Death has a plan.  So one by one, each person who was supposed to die in the car crash is killed.  The spooky (and gross!) thing about this movie is the way they die.  Like I said, it's no maniac killer, it's just life.  Every day life is killing these people.

I can't wait to check out the 4th movie in this series.  I think it comes out this year.

Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd

Who:  Amber
What:  Dumb and Dumberer:  When Harry Met Lloyd
Where:  @ home
Why:  Bored

This movie wasn't as lame as I expected.  Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I didn't pay a dime for it, but it wasn't a complete waste of my time.

Also, how much money does Eugene Levey have?  He's in every horrible movie ever made!

So this movie starts with Harry (some unknown actor) and Lloyd (some other unknown actor who looks a lot like Jim Carray) as they run into each other (litterally - *smash*) on their way to high school.  Harry has been home-schooled by a super over protective mother, and Lloyd is just a moron.

The school principal, Eugene Levey and the lunch lady (Sheri O'Terri - what ever happened to her?) are planning to form a bogus special needs class so they can get a huge check from the government.  Of course, Harry and Lloyd are the perfect set of morons to start a class.  They find a bunch of other slackers and foreign exchange kids, and form a special needs class - where absolutely no work get done what so ever.

Mildly amusing things happen.  Of course, on accident, they show the entire town that the principal is a lying jerk.  Overall, it was kind-of a cute movie.  I mean, Harry and Lloyd weren't complete morons.  They really cared about each other.  Also, I must admit, the soundtrack was pretty rockin!

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.

Halloween H20

Who:  Amber
What:  Halloween H20
Where:  @ home off cable
Why:  Happy Halloween!

Here's a great holiday classic huh?  Actually, I watched it the day after Halloween, and I'm finally movie yak-ing about it.

This is a great horror movie simply because Jamie Lee Curtis is in it.  

If you are unfamiliar with the original Halloween movie, it came out in 1978.  An unknown actress named Jamie Lee Curtis was the main star (as a teenager).  She is babysitting on Halloween, and all her friends are brutally murdered by Michael Myers, who happens to be Jamie Lee's brother.  

So big KUDOS for Jamie Lee Curtis to come back to the franchise 20 years later that originally made her a star!  You don't see Jennifer Aniston coming back to do any Leprechaun movies or Johnny Depp coming back to Nightmare on Elm Street (although, I think they killed him off).

Flashback 20 years later (this movie came out in 1998).  Jamie Lee (Laurie Strode) has a 17 year old son.  She is the head master of a luxury high school, where the kids live in dorms, and the entire high school has a fence around it.  Laurie is still freaked out by her brother Michael Myers.  She knows he will eventually hunt her down and find her.  Her son (Josh Hartnett - possibly one of his first movies) knows Laurie is messed up in the head b/c of all her horrible past.  He tries to help her, but it's getting old.  He's getting annoyed and tells her to, "get over it already!"

Unfortunately, this is the year Michael tracks Laurie down.  99% of the school is on a trip, but Laurie, her son, his girlfriend (Michelle Williams), 2 other slutty kids, and a school counselor are all at the school.  You know the slutty kids are easy kills ... but who else will die?

Will Laurie finally face Michael and kill him once and for all?  Or will Michael finally get what he's been after for 20 years, to kill his other sister?

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

Who:  Amber, Jonathan and my MIL
What:  The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
Where:  Pay Per View
Why:  MIL picked

This movie was super cute!  I didn't want it to end.  What happens to the girls next?!?  I must know!!!

Although, how old are these girls?  And where do their unlimited funds come from?  Everybody is flying to Turkey, to Greece, Alabama, etc.  I want to be in the sisterhood!

This story leaves off 2 years after the first one (I think).  The girls are home from their first summer of 4 different colleges.  Carmen (America Fererra) is the only one really trying to keep the pants ritual together.  The other girls just aren't into it anymore.  Everything is changing ...

This movie has a lot going on.  It could really be 4 movies in 1.  Tibby is living in NYC going to film school.  Carmen goes to New Hampshire to work backstage in a play (but get's the lead - who could've guessed?).  Bridgette is off to Turkey on an archeology camp scholorship thingy.  And Lena is taking summer school classes somewhere (I can't remember - somewhere in the North East b/c she's close to NYC).

Of course, crazy stuff happens to all 4 girls.  Tibby might be pregnant.  Bridgette rediscovers a long lost grandmother.  Carmen gets the lead in a play (did I ruin it for you?!?).  Lena discovers that her boyfriend from Greece is all sudden married!

Tears ensue ... and everybody ends up happy in the end.

Quantum of Solace

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Quantum of Solace - James Bond
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  Jonathan likes James Bond

I might classify "action" as my favorite movie genre.  Although I don't like movies where I have to think really, really hard.

This movie was a little confusing, but I was able to follow it, which is kind-of a big deal.  I'm not a James Bond super fan, so I went to see this movie for a the action, no the James Bond-y stuff.

This movie starts where Casino Royal leaves off.  If you didn't see Casino Royal (the last James Bond movie), just know that James Bond is mad and wants revenge for something that happened in that movie.  I won't ruin the ending for you.

If you like car chases - check this out.  If you like boat chases - check this out.  If you like airplane chases - check this out.  If you like running chases - check this out!  We just needed a train chase of some kind, then this would've been the perfect storm.

Basically James Bond (Daniel Craig) jet sets around the globe (Russia, Italy, South America, etc...) trying to catch some bad guys.  There is a Bond girl (of course), but she's pretty tough too.  Both Bond and this girl are out for revenge.  Ironically, their revenges are different, but the involve the same group of bad guys.

There is a cheesy named other Bond girl as well.  Her last name in the movie is "Fields".  I'll let you guess what her fruity first name is.

Madagascar Escape 2 Africa

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Madagascar Escape 2 Africa
Where:  AMC at Pleasure Island
Why:  It looked cute

I like to move it, move it!  You like to move it, move it.  We like to move it, move it.  You like to ... MOVE IT!

Most sequels (especially animated sequels) are so overdone and a little ridiculous, but this movie was pretty good!  I don't remember the first one much, but I'd say it's just as good at the first.

At the beginning of the movie, they give you a quick recap of the 1st movie, in case you forgot how they got from the NYC zoo to Madagascar (thank you - I didn't remember that at all).  Then the movie jumps right to the 4 animals boarding an airplane (one they obviously found in the middle of the jungle) and are planning to fly back to NYC.  Good thing the penguins know how to fly (irony!).

Of course the beat up plane doesn't make it very far.  The animals have crash landed in Africa.  They all have a sense of deja vu ... wait a minute ... the 4 animals were originally from Africa!  Ironically the plane has crashed where Alex the lion used to live.  And his parents still live there!

There's a back story about the penguins and some monkeys trying to fix the plane.  There's a back story about a group of people from NYC on a safari trip.  More back story about all the animals finding their nitch with all the wild animals.  Etc, etc ...

All in all, this was a great movie!  I highly recommend it.

Spiderman 3

Who:  Amber
What:  Spiderman 3
Where:  @ home - free Starz weekend
Why:  Something to watch while I clean the house

If you forgot Spiderman 2, here's a quick recap:  MJ finds out that Peter really is Spiderman, and they realize they love each other.  Peter still lives in his crappy apartment, but Mary Jane has made it to Broadway!

This movie is fun, but there is almost too much stuff going on.  First Harry (Peter's ex-friend) attacks him and winds up with a bump on the head.  Some criminal guy escapes from jail, winds up in some sand thing, and magically turns into the Sandman.  And then, some weird black stuff crawl out of the river, attaches itself to Spiderman's suit and turns him into 'bad spiderman' (otherwise known as Venom).

Of course, there are fights and fights and fights.  Will Spiderman actually lose one this time?  Riiiiiight.

A lot of people mocked this movie because Peter Parker cries after MJ 'fake' breaks up with him (a bad guy makes her do it).  Let me tell you, when you get broken up with (and you were about to propose!), you cry.  You cry like a little girl.  It's embarrasing, but you can't stop.  Kudos to the director and Tobey Maguire for crying like a little girl.

I also have a crush on Eric from That '70s Show, who plays a rival photographer, and who turns into 'bad spiderman' (Venom).  I forgot his name in real life (Topher Grace - that's it!), but I think he's super hot for some reason.

If you've seen Spiderman 1 & 2, then I recommend checking this movie out.  If you missed Spiderman 1 or 2, then don't bother.  Although, I'm guessing Spiderman 4 will be out eventually ...

Speed 2: Cruise Control

Who:  Amber
What:  Speed 2:  Cruise Control
Where:  @ home - recorded off cable
Why:  I searched for 'cruise' on my DVR (hoping for travel shows about cruises, but I found this)

I had seen this movie before.  I knew it was a bucket full of cheese, but it's a good movie to watch while I'm cleaning the kitchen or playing on the computer.

This movie almost leaves off where Speed 1 ended.  Annie (Sandra Bullock) is trying to get her driver's license, so she doesn't have to take the bus anymore.  She's dating Alex (Jason Patrick - what happened to that guy?!?), a LA Cop.  Annie actually mentions Jack (Keanu Reeves - star of Speed 1) and mentions why they broke up.

Annie and Alex are headed to the Caribbean for a cruise.  Party time!  Too bad Willem Defoe is also headed to the same cruise, and he plans to crash the party.  Willem Defoe is a master of cruise ship technology, and he rigs the entire ship to run off a little remote control that only he possesses (yeah, like that could ever happen.  This guy sneaks in and out of secure places on the ship like he's a magician).  He sounds the 'abandon ship' alarm to save most passengers.  Of course, Annie and Alex, and a handful of others are left behind.

The ship is going to crash and blow up ... will Alex save the day - of course.  Will there be a random cameo at the end of the movie with somebody from Speed 1 (not Keanu) - of course. Does Sandra Bullock have a lot of horrible, cheesy, un-natural dialog - yes!!!  But it's a fun movie with a lot of random action scenes.  Plus I like anything to do with a cruise ship.

Oh, there is also a cute teenage girl on the ship who is deaf and 'speaks' via sign language with Alex, the movie's hero.  She's a cutie.  And I looked her upon imdb.com.  Turns out she really is deaf and she's an advocate for deaf actors/actresses.  I thought that was kind-of cool.