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!

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!

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.

MONSTERS VS ALIENS

Who: Kerri, Mitchel, & Emily
What: Monsters Vs Aliens
Where: Showplace 14
Why: Spring break, and the kids have been stuck inside with crappy weather!


After being struck by a meteor on her wedding day, Susan changes to "the attack of the 50 ft woman mode" She's taken to a secret government facility which houses some other monsters.

When the government discovers aliens have landed, their only defense is 'the monsters'

Chaos ensues, people learn lessons. A fun time for all.

The animation is well done, we didn't get to see it in 3-D because we live in Podunk Illinois and they don't do that 'fun' stuff I can see where some of the shots would have been great in 3D though.

There were LOTS of famous voices, Reece Witherspoon, Kiefer Sutherland, Rainn Wilson, Hough Laurie, Will Arnet, Paul Rudd, Seth, Rogan, to name a few. I hardly recognized Keifer - he did a great job, and Rainn Wilson was hilarious as the alien. Seth Rogan as B.O.B was great fun too.

I took Mitchel, my 13 year old autistic son, he's STILL laughing over it. The kids in the audience loved it, and there was enough humor to keep the adults engrossed in it.

The X-Files: I Want to Believe

Who:LaRelle
What: X-Files: I Want to Believe
Where: my living room
Why: I love X-Files


Well I finally got around to watching this movie. I'm surprised it took me so long considering when the series was on tv it was practically my religion. Although I was kind of putting it off because I had heard very mixed reviews on it and that a lot of die hard fans were disappointed.
Well I wasn't disappointed at all. I thought the story was decent. Yes, it didn't really go too far into the supernatural stuff that the show used to....there were no ghosts, or monsters or anything like that......but the show wasn't always like that.
And the best part was just seeing Mulder and Scully on screen together again. David Duchovny (hottie!) and Gillian Anderson always had incredible chemistry together on the show, and they still have it. I wish that there would have been more "inside jokes", so to speak, related to the tv series. There were a couple of things at the very beginning related to Mulder's character, but it would have been more enjoyable if they had thrown more in throughout the movie.
I wasn't a huge fan when I had heard that Amanda Pete was going to be in this movie because she kind of annoys me...but she actually wasn't too bad. And Billy Connolly was very good in his role as a psychic priest.
So overall it was done pretty well. I'd definitely recommend it if you were a fan of the tv show at all. And even if you weren't it can stand alone, and is a decent thriller/drama type movie.

12 Monkeys

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  12 Monkeys
Where:  @ home - free HBO weekend
Why:  I wanted Jonathan to see it

I really like this movie.  First of all, it's got hot, short haired Brad Pitt (for the first 1/2 of the movie anyways - then his hair gets long and he's got a scary mustache).  Second of all, it's a very unique movie.  It really makes you think.  You're not thinking about life or anything important, just thinking about the twists and turns of the movie.

Bruce Willis is a prisoner in the future.  The "scientists" (creepy people!) send him back in time (to the early 90's, or "present day") to help figure out what happened.  You see, everybody in the future is living underground.  Turns out 90% of the world's population died in 1996.

Unfortunatly, when you travel back in time, and try to convince people that you're from the future, they think you're nuts.  Bruce Willis ends up in the nut house, where he meets Brad Pitt (who is also nuts).  His shrink thinks Bruce Willis looks really familiar, but thinks he's nuts none the less.

Bruce Willis escapes from the nut house, kidnaps the scientist, and tries to prove to her that he's from the future.  Bruce Willis knows what radical group is going to kill 90% of the world ... or does he?  Will be able to stop them with the scientists help?  Will crazy Brad Pitt successfully kill pretty much everybody?

I highly encourage you to find this movie on cable.  It's very different and it's a good time!  Did I mention hot short haired Brad Pitt is in this movie?

Tron

Who: Bill
What: Tron
Where: Rented DVD from Netflix
Why: Believe it or not, I’d never seen the whole movie!

I admit it-- it took me 26 years to watch Tron from start to finish. There were opportunities to see it before, but for one reason or another, I never got around to watching all of it until now. But I’m glad I finally did.

Tron is one of the first movies to make extensive use of computer-generated graphics. In the early 1980‘s, the emerging field of computer technology was taking hold in the workplace. Video games were capturing the imagination of people not only in dedicated arcades but in homes thanks to Atari. The timing could not have been better for a film such as Tron to take advantage of the fascination with computers and computer-based games. For Walt Disney Productions, Tron was a story well beyond the typical boundaries previously put forth by the studio. Just two years earlier for example, lackluster efforts such as Herbie Goes Bananas was standard fare when it came to Disney’s live-action product even though the studio was beginning to try out different concepts such as 1979’s The Black Hole.

Most of the action in Tron is set within the fantasy world of computer gaming. An ambitious programmer named Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has made numerous attempts to remotely hack into his former employer’s mainframe to prove the thievery of co-worker Ed Dillinger (David Warner), who stole ideas of Flynn’s in order to advance to an executive level. Dillinger has created a self-running Master Control Program or MCP and it is the MCP that prevents Flynn’s efforts to gain access. Meanwhile, Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner) has developed a security program called TRON to watch over the MCP. But the MCP, which has evolved to nearly outsmart its human counterparts, doesn’t take kindly to being monitored by anyone or any program. After Flynn is brought back to the lab by Bradley and co-worker--and former girlfriend-- Lora Baines (Cindy Morgan), Flynn directly confronts the MCP and is transported into the gaming world where his program counterpart Clu is challenged to a series of games. Its up to Flynn/Clu to outsmart the MCP and stay alive to destroy it, or be erased forever. Characters in the real world have digital counterparts. Thus, Dillinger is the meanacing leader named Sark as well as the MCP’s voice, Lora is Yori, and Alan is Tron.

The visual effects make Tron stand out. It amazed audiences in 1982 and when seen from that perspective, it still looks impressive in 2008. For years, rumors of a sequel had come and gone. On July 24, 2008, guests at San Diego Comic Con were surprised when Disney presented test footage from what was termed “TR2N” or Tron 2. The projected release date is for 2011. Jeff Bridges is scheduled to return as Kevin Flynn. Director and co-writer Steven Lisberger will also be involved in the sequel as a co-producer. With the incredible advancements in CGI since Tron was released, antcipation should be high for another stunning visual achievement in how movies are made.

Star Trek Nemesis

Who: Me
What: Star Trek Nemesis
Where: At Home
Why: It was on TV and it was raining

I can't believe I am admitting this but... I watch Star Trek... or at least I did. When I was in college I use to watch the New Generation show frequently but when it went away I just moved on too. So at a moment of weekness this past weekend I was sucked back in to the world of Star Trek via some crazy cable channel on TV. There have been other Star Trek movies but I could never get myself to go to the theater to see them. This one was no different.

This movie starts with Commander Riker and Counselor Troi getting married (long time love interests) and then quickly moves to the ship running in to trouble with some crazies near Romulan. It is action packed with some fun twists and turns and a lot of drama. The Nemesis is a clone of Captain Piccard. He is Captain Piccard genetically but because of the way he has lead his life he is a completely different man. He has a giant plan to rule the world but needs the Captain's blood or something and a procedure to survive.

This clone-guy and his supporting crew are nuts and the crew of the Enterprise are challenged to stop the evil plot and save the Earth. Sounds so dramatic huh? For your Star Trek fans this movie is kind of an emotional as one of the beloved characters is lost--sort of(the twist). I enjoyed the movie overall, even with some of the outrageous story lines. The Next Generation Star Trek Cast is great and it was fun to see them all together again. It was a nice reunion on a raining day for me!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Who: Mitchel & Kerri
What: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Where: In the Theatre
Why: Mitchel wanted to see it

Like any Star Wars movie, they aren't rocket science, they are just for fun. This one is CGI animation and the story takes place between the live action movies Episodes II (The Clone Wars) and Episode III (Revenge of the Sith). And Anikin gets a padawan learner. There's tons of light sabre fighting, and stupid droid jokes. Anikin's dark side isn't present as a plot point just a mention of his anger while on Tatooine, it's mostly about him growing while having this padawan.

Plot is simple, Dooku working with Palpatine/Emperor to trick Jabba into siding with them against the Republic. Most of the original voices are not used, but matched well. Samuel Jackson, Christopher Lee and Anthony Daniels Do appear in this film though voicing their characters.

If you are a Star Wars fan it's entertaining, not necessarily a 'must see' or does it add to the overall story, but just gives you another chance to hear that theme song in the theatre again, which is always fun.

Plan 9 from Outer Space

Who: Bill
What: Plan 9 from Outer Space
Where: Turner Classic Movies
Why: One of the worst movies ever made

This is one of those films most everyone has heard about, but not necessarily seen. When it was recently shown on Turner Classic Movies, it gave me the opportunity to judge its dubious merits. There have been countless bad movies that have been made since Ed Wood's "Plan 9 from Outer Space" came out in 1959, and this certainly ranks among them: bad acting, bad writing, bad editing, and just an overall bad production. And yet, it was wonderful-- as a comedy. All the laughs are unintentional, of course and one marvels at the lively perfomance of Bela Lugosi-- who had been dead for three years at the time of the movie's release. His inclusion came from a few test scenes he had filmed prior to his death. The rest of his role is played by Tom Mason, who was the chiropractor for Ed Wood's wife and bore absolutely no physical resemblence to Lugosi!

All in all this was an entertaining film, if one is to go in not taking it seriously at all. Give yourself a treat and check out this awful movie.