HERE COMES THE BOOM

Plot:


Scott Voss (James) is a passionate but reckless biology teacher with a tardiness problem who is always trying to win a date with his beautiful colleague Bella (Hayek). When his buddy and fellow co-worker Marty Streb (Winkler) who teaches music is about to become unemployed because the schools lack of funds, Scott, who use to wrestle back in his school days, comes up with the idea of becoming a MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter to raise the money to save Marty's job. He enlist the help of Niko (Rutten), an immigrant trying to gain US citizenship who's also a retired MMA fighter. Not knowing just what he was stepping into, Scott realizes that he is not only just in a fight to save Marty's job but also for his life.


Reel Talk:


James who you can certainly see that he physically conditioned himself for this film, brings some comedic boom to this action/comedy. He does not slack off with his hilarious brand of humor along with the additional help from co-stars Winkler, Hayek, Rutten and Gary Valentine. But besides the comedy the MMA fight scenes are pretty good. What MMA fight movie would be complete without adding commentator Joe Rogan who plays himself in this film. If you are in need of a good laugh see this movie, if you're in need of some action see this movie. You won't miss on either level.

Starring: Kevin James, Salma Hayek, Henry Winkler, Greg Germann, Bas Rutten, Gary Valentine and Joe Rogan
Directed by: Frank Coraci
Rated: PG

I give it 3 corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS

Plot:


Colin Farrell plays Marty, an alcoholic Irish screenwriter who is experiencing writer's block while trying to write his movie about seven psychopaths. This will soon all change as he becomes entangled with his buddy Billy (Rockwell) and Hans (Walken) who are dog nappers who just so happen to dog nap the dog of ruthless gangster Charlie (Harrelson) who will kill anyone that has any connection to stealing his dog. The violence and mayhem that Marty experiences and the various blood drenched stories that he is told by various people soon gives him the material needed for his movie if only he gets to live to film it.


Reel Talk:


OK...right off the rip, this is one weird movie. It has a good all star cast but no real plot to it. It's like an all out meaningless movie that over glorifies violence. It kinda reminded me of Woody Harrelson's 1994 ultra violent movie "Natural Born Killers"(ironic that Harrelson is in this one). With so many people walking around with demented minds I don't think that this film should contribute to giving people more ways to be twisted. It may have even been acceptable if the story made sense but there is no justification that way either. Not even the comedic overtone can mask the stupidity of this crap. This is just a plain pointless, extra violent film. I am the eighth psychopath for sitting thru and watching that movie....LOL. This is definitely one that you can wait to catch on cable.

Starring: Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Abbie Cornish, Christopher Walken and Woody Harrelson
Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Rated: R

I give it 1 corn dog.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

ARGO

Plot:


During the 80's, the United states held and refuse to release a former Iranian leader causing a revolt in Iran in which the people storm a compound taking the US citizens that worked there as hostages. But realizing that 6 unidentified Americans managed to escape 5taking refuge within the home of the Canadian Ambassador (Garber), they do whatever to race to identify them so that they can capture and put them to death as an example for the United States to witness. Knowing time is of the essence, the CIA allows their hostage specialist Tony Mendez (Affleck) to go to Iran posing as a filmmaker scouting to shoot a film there and using the 6 fugitives as his Canadian film crew in order that he can get them out.


Reel Talk:

Base on the real occurrences that took place in the 80's, this movie packs intensity. It is not an action film with a lot a car chases or fight scenes but rather a drama film depicting what took place in the life of 6 people's will to survive and one man's determination to save their lives to the point of risking his. Although you pretty much know the outcome, you are still not prepared for the intense moments that leads to the climatic ending. Excellent directing job by Affleck and Alan Arkin pretty much makes the movie with his scene stealing performances. Awesome movie worth checking out and you may want to stay for the credit and review some of the remarkable still pictures from the actual events of that era.

Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Crankston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman and Victor Garber
Directed by: Ben Affleck
Rated: R

I give it 5 corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

WON'T BACK DOWN

Plot:



Jamie Fitzpatrick (Gyllenhaal), tired and frustrated with the school that her daughter (who suffers from a learning disability) attends because most the teachers there are unwilling to commit to teaching and unable to get her in a better school, she sets out with the help of one of the few teachers, Nona Alberts (Davis), who still likes to teach and wants a better education for her learning disabled son as well. The two finds a loop hole in the system that allows parents and willing teachers to take over a school so that they can control how to educate the students that attend. But this is not an easy mission as the failing Pittsburg school program led by the union will set up all types of road blocks possible to deter the women from succeeding.


Reel Talk:



This is a very inspirational movie regarding how to help improve the school system, but it was also a little boring. It really doesn't pick up any type of steam about a little bit past the half the movie. It doesn't help that Gyllenhaal and Davis both very good actresses, lack any real intensity for their characters. They were protrayed as scared, unassured women instead of strong women who should lead a rally. I actually like the characters of Holly hunter, Rosie Perez and Marianne Jean-Baptiste because of the strength that they eluded on the screen. I'm a strong advocate for education so on that note alone I will recommend this movie but don't go in with high expectations.

Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal,  Viola Davis, Oscar Isaac, Holly Hunter, Rosie Perez, Emily Alyn Lind and Marianne Jean-Baptiste
Directed by: Daniel Barnz
Rated: PG

I give it 3 corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

LOOPER

Plot:


In the near future time travel is prohibited except for criminals that are sent back in time to be executed by assassins that are led by Abe (Daniels), a gangster from the future. A young drug addicted Joe (Gordon-Levitt) is one of Abe's top killers, one who always gets his target until he is assigned to terminate himself from the future portrayed by Bruce Willis who has an agenda of his own and that was to go back and time and murder some people that have affected the outcome of things in his future. But since the younger Joe missed his mark, he has a wave of Abe's assassins out to elimanate both him and his older self.


Reel Talk:


Bruce Willis is back in semi-action form in this ultra violent action thriller along with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Die hard action junkies will enjoy this movie even thou the story is sorta all over the place. You will really have to stay in tune with the movie to actually know whats going on. But despite the scattered story the action is definitely on point and the violence is very graphic. Bruce willis and action fans won'yt be disappointed with this movie.

Starring: Josepph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, Noah Segan, Jeff Daniels and Pierce Gagnon
Directed by: Rian Johnson
Rated: R

I give it 3 and a half eaten corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

END OF WATCH

Plot:


LAPD Officers Brian Taylor (Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Pena) patrol the toughest areas in South Central and have gained the reputation of being two of the best on the street, willing to knock down any door and take a bullet for each other all while unlawfully video taping their quest. The latter will soon be put to the test when the two street heros unknowingly stumble upon the illegal operations of the Mexican Crime Cartel who become tiresome of the officers interference and puts a hit out on them. With so much to live for, with Mike and his wife just having adding a newborn to their lives and Brian settling down and marrying his girl Janet (Kendrick), the two still will not take a back seat to the threats from the street but rather continue to take crime head on willing to watch each other's back til death if need be.


Reel Talk:


In this gritty street drama about the LAPD and their battle against the intruding Mexican Cartel, Gyllenhaal and Pena put in compelling performances as the two cops who acknowledge each other as brothers, fearlessly willing to fight law defiers to the death. The movie's action is riveting from the beginning to it's surprising climatic ending. Where I think I could never do the job as a police officer, this movie truly helps you appreciate the very hard and dangerous job that the men in uniform provide us on the daily.Definitely a movie to catch but be warned this is a graphicly violent movie!

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena, Natalie Martinez, Anna Kendrick, David Harbour and Frank Grillo
Directed by: David Ayer
Rated: R

I give it 4 corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

TROUBLE WITH THE CURB

Plot:



Gus (Eastwood) is an aging pro baseball scouter with a deteriating eye desease that puts to question his continued ability to do his job. With 3 months remaining on his current contract, a young zealous executive name Phillip (Lillard) feels that computers finds the best recruits for the team, so he wants to put Gus out to pasture feeling his way of recruiting is dated. Given one last chance to prove his worth, he is sent to North Carolina to scout a hot shot batter for the potential 1st draft pick. But his best friend and co-worker Pete (Goodman) knows the deck is stacked against him so he pleads with Gus's daughter Mickey (Adams) to meet him there in hopes that she can help him out. Mickey an aspiring attorney caught up trying to make partner at her firm relunctantly agrees to help her father hoping to get a chance to get closure to why he has been so distant from her for so many years.While there the father/ daughter dou encounter Johnny (Timberlake) another scout there to check out the same talent but is also keeping a sharp eye out for Mickey/


Reel Talk:


Remember seeing Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry as a grumpy man, well in this film you get to see him as Old Grumpy Dirty Harry...lol. Being an old grumpy man seems to be a role fit for him as he plays the stubborn and stern Gus. This is a charming and delightful but very predictable movie that you will enjoy. With an all star cast that ranges from various ages and talents, they all contribute to this movie at some point. You will also catch Eastwood's son Scott in it as young pro baseballer Billy Clark. AS  Not a great movie but an enjoyable one worth checking out.

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Amy adams, John Goodman, Robert Patrick, Matthew Lillard, Justin Timberlake and Scott Eastwood
Directed by: Robert Lorenz
Rated: PG-13

I give it 3 corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

PREMIUM RUSH

Plot:

Wilee (Gordon-Levitt) is a talented New York City bicycle courier that lives life on the edge, his philosophy  and how he rides is no gears and no brakes, take whatever  that comes your way head on. Even though that’s a reckless way to live, his life has never been threatened more than when he is assigned to deliver a package from a friend that is also the target for an erratic, compulsive gambling cop named Bobby Monday (Shannon) who must retrieve the package so that his debt to the Chinese mob will be forgiven, so he will stop at nothing to stop Wilee from delivery it. But what the dirty cop doesn’t count on is that Wilee will use all his skills and resources to deliver his package on time, even his cycling courier buddies.

Reel Talk:

On one hand this is an action film junkie’s type of movie because it is action packed pretty much the entire movie but on the other hand it is so farfetched and unbelievable that you may not take it seriously. I understand that cycling and driving can be hectic in NYC, but there is no perfect calculation in either, so the way they were riding in the film is not happening in the real world. But for the sake of entertainment it is a fast paced movie that will keep your attention and Michael Shannon as the dirty cop is hilarious. There is no need to rush for this one unless you are in dire need for some fabricated action.

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dania Ramirez, Wole’ Parks, Michael Shannon and Aasif Mandvi

Directed by: David Koepp

Rated: PG-13

I give it 2 and a half eaten corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog – The Reel Hustler

HIT AND RUN

Plot:

Yul Perkin (Shepard) is living in a small quiet township with his girlfriend Annie (Bell) under the witness protection program under the assumed name Charles Bronson. All is great between the two until Annie either must, take a job in LA or become unemployed. When the couple agrees that she should take the job, he promises to drive her there in his super charged classic Lincoln, compromising his safety from the witness protection group.  Once they set out on their journey to LA they realize that they are being pursued by his old gang that he testified against led by Alex Dimitri (Cooper), Annie’s ex-boyfriend Gil (Rosenbaum) and a accident prone U.S. Marshall agent played by Tom Arnold, causing Charles to convert back to some of his unsavory ways as Yul that eventually affects his relationship with Annie.

Reel Talk:

This is a decent movie despite the cheesy written story.  I give credit to Dax Shepard, who I think is a very talented actor on the rise who wrote the cheesy plot, produced, co-directed and starred in with his real life girlfriend Kristen Bell, which their real romance exudes on the screen making it easy for them to perform the couple’s roles. Like I said this is not a great movie, but it is an entertaining film if you’re in need of a worthy date movie. It is also good for a few laughs, of course you can count on Tom Arnold to provide his off brand style of humor for some laughs. Walk, you don’t have to rush out for this one.

Starring: Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, Tom Arnold, Michael Rosenbaum, Bradley Cooper, Joy Bryant and Beau Bridges.

Directed by: Dax Shepard and David Palmer

Rated: R

I give it 2 and a half eaten corn dogs.

By: Corn Dog – The Reel Hustler

SPARKLE

Plot:


Sparkle (Sparks) is a young talented church going songwriter as well as singer, but would rather take a backseat to her charismatic and sultry but worldly older sister named Sister (Ejogo). While on one of their sneak out the house ventures because of their over protective and GOD fearing mother Emma (Houston), they encounter a young but ambitious manager named Stix (Luke) who wants to make the  two young ladies in addition to their other sister Dolores (Sumpter) a powerhouse girls group that would rival the Supremes. Along with worrying about being caught by their mother, they also have to deal with the negative aspects that comes with being in show business like drugs, domestic abuse and failed relationships, that mainly engulfs Sister as she engages in a dangerous affair with a ruthless Comedian named Satin (Epps). Eventually the sisters will realize that the price for fame does not come without the price of blood as all their lives will take drastic changes as they pursue the performance spotlight as singers.


Plot:


I have made no secret that I am a skeptic of remakes, because most remakes don't do the original classics any justice. Well this one is one of the exceptions! Where there are some major changes from the 1976 version to this one, it still works to the advantage in making this a good film. Director Salim Akil does a great job with a superb talented cast that puts in work on this film. You will be compelled with emotions as you watch Whitney Houston in her last screen performance before her unfortunate and untimely death in months to follow. Jordin Sparks delivers big in her cherry popping role as Sparkle, but I must honestly say that Mike Epps performance as the menacing Satin is worthy of an Oscar nomination. This is by far his best role yet as an actor. Filmed entirely in Detroit, some of the city's celebrities such as R&B Artist Kem and actor Sidi Henderson make cameo appearances along with the music from the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin which contributes to an awesome soundtrack. Definitely a must see and be sure to carry a napkin in case you feel the need to shed a tear or two because there are some powerfully emotional moments in this film.

Starring: Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tamika Sumpter and Omari Hardwick
Directed by: Salim Akil
Rated: PG-13

I give it 4 corn dogs and a soda on the side!

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

Be sure to check out my Red Carpet interview with Jordin Sparks at the the Detroit Premier below the review.

TOTAL RECALL

Plot:


 Colin Farrell plays Doug Quaid a mine worker who feels dissatisfied with his life, seeking a little more excitement he is introduced by a co-worker to an underground mind vacationing program that would allow him the chance at being a super spy, but there is a set back when it is realized that he is already a top spy named Hauser in real life. Soon he is targeted by his wife Lori (Beckinsale) who is really an agent assigned to stay close to him by organization head Cohaagen (Cranston) and to terminate him if he was to go rogue which now is her primary mission. On the run and hunted by Lori and her squad of robotic goons and unable to determine what is real or a dream, he must enlist the help of a woman Melina (Biel) who he has seen in his dreams so that she can take him to meet Matthias (Nighy) who heads up the rebel forces that are trying to overthrow the corrupted Cohaagen.


 Reel Talk:


This is a remake of the 1990 classic film of the same title which starred Arnold Schwarzeneggar. Although I am a hard critic of remakes this one was not that bad, not great but acceptable. It does not compare to the original but offers it's own flair by way of the action (mainly with the cat fight scenes with Beckinsale and Biel) and the good visual ccinematography Not a big Farrell fan, i will say this is one of his more impressive performances. The action is fast and constant so you will stay focused on the screen and it doesn't even matter about the changes in this film, like it takes place on Earth oppose to on Mars in the original. still an entertaining movie worth checking out.

Starring: Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston, Bokeem Woodbine and Bill Nighy Directed by: Len Wiseman
 Rated: PG-13

I give it 3 corn dogs

 By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

TONY n TINA'S WEDDING (LAS VEGAS)

Hey I'm back! Sorry I won't post any movie reviews this weekend because I was in Las Vegas for a seminar, so I didn't make any screenings this week. But as you know I am an entertainment correspondent, so while in Vegas I got the opportunity to catch a few shows courtesy of the show's producers. While all the shows were entertaining I most definitely enjoyed the production of Tony n Tina's Wedding. What's unique about this show is that it includes a full three course Italian dinner that places you at the dining table with family members and friends of the wedding couple. Not only will you be eating with them but you will actively take part in the actual antics of the wedding.Trust me, it is hilarious fun that you will certainly enjoy. Between the two dysfunctional families of the two love birds and their over the top friends this comedy dinner show is well worth seeing if you're ever in Las Vegas. You will not be disappointed by either the show or the food. Feel free to contact me for ticket information via email at grosslystated@yahoo.com or contact COLE COMPANY MANAGER TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING LAS VEGAS 702.376.1557 P | 702.889.8224 F www.facebook.com/tonyandtinasweddingvegas www.tonyandtinavegas.com By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

Plot:

Before Professor X he was Charles Xavier (McAvoy) and before Magneto he was Erik Lehnsherr (Fassbender). First Class takes you to the early days of the two young mutants who became friends, both with different agendas to help young CIA Agent Mactaggert (Bryne) stop a sadistic mutant named Sebastian Shaw (Bacon) from causing a global nuclear war. Because Sebastian is so powerful, Charles and Erik must recruit other young mutants so that they can combine their unique abilities, even if it means exposing themselves to humans, who most feel is their enemy.

Reel Talk:

Right off, this was a good movie! I like how it takes you back to origin of the X-Men, how they were just learning their mutant powers and how to control them to their benefit. It takes you into the indifferences that would lead to the division between Charles and Erik that would lead to their future conflicts. The story is well told and the characters, to be younger, are more menacing than the characters that are portrayed in the other X-men films. This movie even comes off a little darker than the others, especially with Erik’s deeply scarred revengeful character and Kevin Bacon as the sinister Sebastion. Overall this is a good visually enticing, solid action movie well worth checking out.

Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence, Zoe Kravitz, January Jones and Nicholas Hoult
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Rated: PG-13

I give it 4 corn dogs

By: Corn Dog – The Reel Hustler

THE HANGOVER PART II

Plot:

Ding, ding, ding….it’s round two for the wolfpack. Part II has Stu (Helms) set to marry his fiancé in her homeland in Thailand. After the strong urgings of Doug (Bartha), Stu reluctantly invites Alan (Galifianakis) to the wedding but strongly refuses Phil’s (Cooper) desire for the foursome to engage a bachelor party, considering what happened in Vegas for Doug’s party. So they agree to one drink along with Stu’s future brother in-law and well Hangover Part II. The threesome of Stu, Alan and Phil wake up in Bangkok with no idea what happened or what strange occurrences that have taken place in between the time period. There only clue lies with there former nemesis Mr. Chow (Jeong) from their Vegas experience and a hard smoking, drug dealing monkey. With the clock ticking the group set out on another adventure, this time to find Stu’s missing future in-law.


Reel Talk:

This is one of the year’s most anticipated movies, so the question is does it live up to the hype? Well, with director Todd Phillips back at the helm and the complete original cast from the first film back together (yes even Mike Tyson), the laughs are plentiful. Although it’s pretty much the same story as the original, only difference being is the location, you go to see this movie for it’s over the top humor and nothing more. With Galifianakis back and Ken Jeong with some more juicer scenes, Hangover fans will not be disappointed. Overall this is a good follow up movie and if you are in need of some laughs, this is the one to see.

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, Paul Giamatti and Mike Tyson
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Rated: R

I give it 3 and a half eaten corn dogs

By: Corn Dog – The Reel Hustler

EMAGINE THIS!

This weekend I attended the ribbon cutting event for the grand opening for the new entertainment megaplex the Emagine Theater and Star Lanes Bowling Alley located on the northeast corner of 11 Mile Rd and Main St. in Royal Oak, MI. Let me just say that this joint is a beast! This 71,000 square foot complex offers you all that you could imagine for your entertainment pleasures. It offers 1700 plush high-backed seats with leg space to die for (no more stepped on toes…lol) in 10 state of the art theaters equipped with digital projections, a few bars, a huge concession stand, a restaurant, 16 bowling lanes with four being located in the High Roller Room, which is designed for private family or business events that also features a pool table, shuffle board and a bar to name a few of the amenities. Believe me this place has been thought out to offer you the best in upscale entertainment.

The event was also a charity function for Judson Center and Gleaners Community Food Bank, but I got to say the food for the event was amazing with delicacies that would rival an Oscar party’s menu from chefs that will be on hand to cook for future functions held there. And although I’m not a drinker, the bar will be a major financial bonus for the venue. A movie, bowling and drinks….Oh My!!!

Oh and parking is not a problem any more because they have a 400 cars hi-rise parking structure that offers free parking before 6pm. Being that it’s right outside the Detroit belt, this will be convenient for people with limited transportation because the plaza is bus route accessible. Officially opening May 16, 2011, I strongly encourage that you go and visit this new entertainment venue, trust me you will be amazed and will thoroughly enjoy the experience. In the words from Nicki Minaj’s song, The Emagine Theater and Star Lanes just ‘doo doo’d’ on all the other movie theaters…..LOL

By: Corn Dog – The Reel Hustler

JUMPING THE BROOM

Plot:

When the beautiful Sabrina Watson (Patton) finally meets her knight in shining armor in Jason Taylor (Alonso), the two decide they are the ones for each other after 6 months of dating and so let the marriage take place. Things are going well until the weekend of the wedding when the families of the two love birds meet for the first time, with Sabrina’s shrimp and caviar eating parents meeting Jason’s neck bone and greens eating mother and uncle. With devastating secrets revealed and constant debates, the main debate being about whether the couple will honor the tradition from his side of the family regarding jumping the broom at the wedding, the two may not even make it down the aisle.

Reel Talk:

This T.D. Jakes production about the union of two and their families of urban and suburban differences is the reel deal. With a star filled cast with everyone getting in on the fun, this was a hilariously funny movie. Mike Epps continues to show why he is one of the funniest in the game with his silly performance as Uncle Willie Earl. A good cast, good story, good messages, good laughs, a just all around good movie.

Starring: Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine, Meagan Good, Tasha Smith, Julie Bowen, DeRay Davis, Valerie Pettiford and Mike Epps
Directed by: Salim Akil
Rated: PG-13

I give it 4 corn dogs

By: Corn Dog – The Reel Hustler

FAST FIVE

Plot:

Fast Five immediately picks up where the last Fast And Furious movie ended, with Dominic Toretto (Diesel) getting caught and sentenced to jail. While in route to jail he is busted from the prison bus by his sister Mia (Brewster) and her boyfriend, the now ex FBI agent Brian O’ Connor (Walker). Now outlawed in the states they relocate to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and hook up with old friend Vince (Schulze) from the first movie and return to their old trade of boosting cars. But when a heist goes bad and DEA agents are murdered, Dominic is framed and is now the target for the stone cold, merciless FBI agent Hobbs (Johnson) who has no boundaries or limits to how he gets his man. On the run again he puts together a plan to rip off the wealthiest and most ruthless man in Rio, who just also happens to be the man who set him up. In order to pull off this caper they enlist the services of some friends from the previous four Fast and Furious movies and take Rio for one wild ride.

Reel Talk:

All I can say about this movie is "WOW"!!!! Action junkies beware, because you will overdose on this movie. From the beginning to the end this movie will have you on the edge of your seat with some breath taking stunts and action from the cast of stars from the Fast series. Dwayne Johnson also brings a new punch to the Fast installments. You can bet he will be in the next one. This is a must see movie that will not dissappoint!

Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson, Matt Schulze, Sung Kang and Joaquim De Almeida
Rated: PG-13

I give it 4 and a half eaten corn dogs

By: Corndog – The Reel Hustler

SUCKER PUNCH

Plot:

While trying to prevent her pedophile step father from sexually assaulting her younger sister Baby Doll (Browning) accidentally shots and kills her sister causing her step father to have her admitted to a mental hospital. During her wait to be lobotomized she is forced to join a small group of girls organized by Dr. Vera Gorski (Gugino) who perform erotic dances for clients arranged by the corrupt head orderly Blue (Isaac). Realizing that when she does her supposedly provocative dance it takes her into a dream world of sword battles and shoot outs, giving her incite to how she and the other girls can escape from their imprisonment.

Reel Talk:

Don’t get sucker punch by this movie! I mean it has all the makings for a good movie, director Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) at the helm, action with fights and shoot outs by scantily clad women in high heels if that’s your thing, but it falls flat with the story. The one thing that really got me was that we never saw her supposed seductive dances, I thought I was going to see her drop it like it’s hot, but nope, didn’t happen. Of course Snyder adds his special blended visual effects, it just was not enough to give this movie the punch needed to be a good movie. Even the action was just par at best. This one you can wait for the DVD, not one to rush out and see.

Starring: Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Carla Gugino, Oscar Isaac, Jon Hamm and Scott Glenn
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Rated: PG-13

I give it 2 and a half eaten corn dogs

By: Corn Dog – The Reel Hustler

THE LINCOLN LAWYER

Plot:

Mick Haller (McConaughey) is a hot shot criminal attorney that prosecuting attorneys can’t stand to see in the court room. He’s a wheeler dealer who has it on the ball until he takes on a high profile case of a rich kid played by Ryan Phillippe who is being accused of brutally assaulting a prostitute. This case proves to be one of his toughest yet as it takes him back to a previous case that may have had him send his earlier client to jail wrongfully as well as jeopardizing the lives of his love ones.

Reel Talk:

McConaughey has done some cheesy movies recently, but he has certainly redeemed himself with this one. His portrayal of the witty and deviously charming fast track attorney is superb! This was a great suspense thriller with a great cast. From beginning to the end you will be glued to the screen. This is a must see movie, one of the best so far this year.

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo and Michael Pena
Directed by: Brad Furman
Rated: R

I give it 5 corn dogs

By: Corn Dog – The Reel Hustler

LIMITLESS

Plot:

In a person’s lifetime I think it’s been said that only around 20% of the brain will be used. Well what if you could take a pill and use 100% in a matter of hours? In Limitless Bradley Cooper plays Eddie Morra a burned out writer that has hit rock bottom and when it seems he’s about to wither away he runs into his ex brother in-law who gives him a mysterious pill that when taken gives you limitless brain access. Now with his new found power he becomes a major power broker for Carl Von Loon (De Niro) who is planning a huge corporate takeover. But unfortunately there are devastating consequences behind the drugs potential like its deadly side effects and the attention it lures to the menacing men that are following him.

Reel Talk:

If this drug was really available, man oh man, but if only ifs and buts were candy and nuts. This movie was refreshingly good, with what’s lacking in most movies that have been dropping lately, this one offers an original plot. While the role of Eddie seemed custom made for Cooper it was just a paying gig for Oscar Award winner De Niro who doesn’t have a stand out performance in the film. Still this movie is worth checking out, so get your snacks early and enjoy the ride.

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, Johnny Whitworth
Directed by: Neil Burger
Rated: PG-13

I give it 4 corn dogs

By: Corn Dog – The Reel Hustler