Plot:
When crime riddled Los Angeles need a hero, they can only turn to Hancock (Smith), a superhero with super powers but a bad attitude and a heavy pinchen for booze. The problem is that he feels alone (feeling one of a kind) and wants to alienate himself in self pity. When publicist Ray Embrey (Bateman) is saved by Hancock, he wants to repay him by revamping his image so that the public will change their negative opinion of him. This with much disapproval from Ray's wife Mary (Theron) who appears quite uncomfortable whenever the hero is around, as if she is hiding something. Still Ray sets out to re-invent Hancock by having him enter prison for past misdeeds and wait for crime to escalate so that the police chief will have no choice but to ask for the help of the crime fighter.
Reel Talk:
Hancock is one of this years best movies, you will truly enjoy it. Will Smith puts in one of his best performances to date. It takes a lot to transform a superhero into a troubled drunk and then into a likable hero all while having you enjoy all stages of the transformation. Smith provides just the right amount of humor and serious intensity to make his character stand out. Theron and Bateman are also great as supporting cast members. Now I gotta be honest, the film does get a little gruesomely violent towards the end, which made me wonder about the children audience, but I guess we can say they have seen worse.
Starring: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman and Jae Head
Directed by: Peter Berg
Rated: PG-13
I give it 5 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Sunday, July 20, 2008
WANTED
Plot:
Wesley Gibson (McAvoy) is living the American nightmare, waking up going to the same dead end office job and being constantly abused by his boss, knowing but not doing anything about his best friend screwing his girlfriend all while trying to keep his chronic panic attacks in check. You can say things turn for the better of maybe the worse when Wesley is approached be Fox (Jolie), a member of an elite society of assassins run by Sloan (Freeman). She was sent to bring the youngster in so that he can be recruited into their organization to replace his father, who was one of their best assassin killed by a rival assassin who the boy is to kill. Wondering why they would want a buffoon like him, he soon realizes that he has the same killing skills that his father possessed and practices until he is soon one of the top assassins out.
Reel Talk:
This movie is on another level of action. The action is fast pace and the special effects provide for a visual treat. It is good to finally see some freshness in a movie for a change. Angelina Jolie is the # 1 female action heroine in films to date. There is no other female actress out that is even remotely capable to claim such rights. From beginning to the end this movie is a bonafide action pack thriller that when you leave the theater, you'll say it was worth the price of admission.
Starring: James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, Common and Thomas Kretschmann
Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov
Rated: R
I give it 5 corndogs & a soda
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Wesley Gibson (McAvoy) is living the American nightmare, waking up going to the same dead end office job and being constantly abused by his boss, knowing but not doing anything about his best friend screwing his girlfriend all while trying to keep his chronic panic attacks in check. You can say things turn for the better of maybe the worse when Wesley is approached be Fox (Jolie), a member of an elite society of assassins run by Sloan (Freeman). She was sent to bring the youngster in so that he can be recruited into their organization to replace his father, who was one of their best assassin killed by a rival assassin who the boy is to kill. Wondering why they would want a buffoon like him, he soon realizes that he has the same killing skills that his father possessed and practices until he is soon one of the top assassins out.
Reel Talk:
This movie is on another level of action. The action is fast pace and the special effects provide for a visual treat. It is good to finally see some freshness in a movie for a change. Angelina Jolie is the # 1 female action heroine in films to date. There is no other female actress out that is even remotely capable to claim such rights. From beginning to the end this movie is a bonafide action pack thriller that when you leave the theater, you'll say it was worth the price of admission.
Starring: James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, Common and Thomas Kretschmann
Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov
Rated: R
I give it 5 corndogs & a soda
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Thursday, June 19, 2008
THE HULK
Plot:
After being duped by the military and injected with a high dosage of Gamma Ray that fuses his body into a massive hulk upon becoming angry, Bruce Banner (Norton) becomes a fugitive who hides out somewhere in Central America, trying to find a cure for his condition while also trying to maintain a calm pulse (controlling the beast within). Under the watchful eye of Gen. Thaddeus Ross (Hurt), the originator of the experience, Banner is soon tracked and hunted by an elite team of soldiers led by action junkie Emil Blonsky (Roth), who once he encounters the Hulk, rather than be scared he wants the same injection so that he can do battle with the monster. But once injected he becomes a a monster even worst than his predecessor. Banner along with his long lost love Betty (Tyler), must find a way to defeat the beast as well as find a cure to regress the ailment.
Reel Talk:
Although I like this Hulk better than the 2003 version starring Eric Bana, I was a little thrown off by the casting of Norton as Banner. It was something about the whiny Norton that just didn't sit right for me. Still this was a good comic book adaption of the massive brute known as The Hulk. Even though there are some slow periods during the movie, when the actions takes place - its hardcore. Tim Roth playing the psycho soldier trying to battle the Hulk is hilarious.Just for a little fun there is a cameo with Lou Ferrigno (the original star for the TV series The Hulk). If you've been watching closely, in Iron Man and The Hulk, you'll see the hints leading to the hype, building up for the next possible Marvel Comic's movie "The Avengers".
Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt and Lou Ferrigno
Directed by: Louis Leterrier
Rated: PG-13
I give it 4 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
After being duped by the military and injected with a high dosage of Gamma Ray that fuses his body into a massive hulk upon becoming angry, Bruce Banner (Norton) becomes a fugitive who hides out somewhere in Central America, trying to find a cure for his condition while also trying to maintain a calm pulse (controlling the beast within). Under the watchful eye of Gen. Thaddeus Ross (Hurt), the originator of the experience, Banner is soon tracked and hunted by an elite team of soldiers led by action junkie Emil Blonsky (Roth), who once he encounters the Hulk, rather than be scared he wants the same injection so that he can do battle with the monster. But once injected he becomes a a monster even worst than his predecessor. Banner along with his long lost love Betty (Tyler), must find a way to defeat the beast as well as find a cure to regress the ailment.
Reel Talk:
Although I like this Hulk better than the 2003 version starring Eric Bana, I was a little thrown off by the casting of Norton as Banner. It was something about the whiny Norton that just didn't sit right for me. Still this was a good comic book adaption of the massive brute known as The Hulk. Even though there are some slow periods during the movie, when the actions takes place - its hardcore. Tim Roth playing the psycho soldier trying to battle the Hulk is hilarious.Just for a little fun there is a cameo with Lou Ferrigno (the original star for the TV series The Hulk). If you've been watching closely, in Iron Man and The Hulk, you'll see the hints leading to the hype, building up for the next possible Marvel Comic's movie "The Avengers".
Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt and Lou Ferrigno
Directed by: Louis Leterrier
Rated: PG-13
I give it 4 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN
Plot:
Adam Sandler plays a super Mossad agent named Zohan Dvir, one who looks down the barrel of terror and laughs at danger. When placed on assignment to go after his main nemesis, The Phantom (Turturro), Zohan (tired of the missions and killing), fakes his death so that he can head to New York for his true calling - a hair stylist. He sets up in a shop owned and operated by the beautiful Dahlia (Chriqui) and soon gains a reputation as the stylist who gives his female clients more for their money. But his new life does not go unnoticed as wanna be terrorist Salim (Schneider) recognizes Zohan and sets out to inform The Phantom, setting up a battle in the Big Apple.
Reel Talk:
Adam Sandler is one of the funniest guys in the business to date, but this was some down right stupid crap. I know sometimes there are movies that are made that have no rhyme or reason, well this goes down as one of those movies. It doesn't mean that its not funny, just stupid funny. One good thing about Sandler, if you're down with him, you'll have a job. Most of his films he uses his friends like Schneider and Turturro on a couple. If you just want to get out for a few laughs and I mean a few, then this is a movie you can see.
Starring: Adam Sandler, John Turturro, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Rob Schneider and Michael Buffer
Directed by: Dennis Duggan
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Adam Sandler plays a super Mossad agent named Zohan Dvir, one who looks down the barrel of terror and laughs at danger. When placed on assignment to go after his main nemesis, The Phantom (Turturro), Zohan (tired of the missions and killing), fakes his death so that he can head to New York for his true calling - a hair stylist. He sets up in a shop owned and operated by the beautiful Dahlia (Chriqui) and soon gains a reputation as the stylist who gives his female clients more for their money. But his new life does not go unnoticed as wanna be terrorist Salim (Schneider) recognizes Zohan and sets out to inform The Phantom, setting up a battle in the Big Apple.
Reel Talk:
Adam Sandler is one of the funniest guys in the business to date, but this was some down right stupid crap. I know sometimes there are movies that are made that have no rhyme or reason, well this goes down as one of those movies. It doesn't mean that its not funny, just stupid funny. One good thing about Sandler, if you're down with him, you'll have a job. Most of his films he uses his friends like Schneider and Turturro on a couple. If you just want to get out for a few laughs and I mean a few, then this is a movie you can see.
Starring: Adam Sandler, John Turturro, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Rob Schneider and Michael Buffer
Directed by: Dennis Duggan
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
SEX AND THE CITY
Plot:
The original cast of the popular television series hit the big screen. After years of their on and off relationship, Carrie (Parker) and Mr. Big (Noth), finally agree to tie the knot. What first sets out as a simple wedding, soon turns into a whirlwind circus show which causes Big to start second guessing his decision. But when Charlotte (Davis), experiencing her own marital problems, abruptly questions Big why they are getting married. This causes Carrie to be embarrassed on what should have been her greatest moment, as she's left standing at the altar with no groom. Seeing their gal pal in pain, Samantha (Cattral), Charlotte (Davis) and Miranda (Nixon) take Carrie to a Caribbean island to help take her mind off being jilted.
Reel Talk:
First, this is truly a movie for the women, which I'm sure the TV series was catered to anyway. Second, why didn't they just do this as a 2 hour made for TV special? Ok, I know taking it to the big screen will make big money, but come on now, really? For me, the focal point is Cattral's character Samantha, boy is she a freak. You just never know whats she's going to do next or who. Fellas let the women do their ladies night out on this one.
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattral, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Chris Noth and Jennifer Hudson
Directed by: Michael Patrick King
Rated: R
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
The original cast of the popular television series hit the big screen. After years of their on and off relationship, Carrie (Parker) and Mr. Big (Noth), finally agree to tie the knot. What first sets out as a simple wedding, soon turns into a whirlwind circus show which causes Big to start second guessing his decision. But when Charlotte (Davis), experiencing her own marital problems, abruptly questions Big why they are getting married. This causes Carrie to be embarrassed on what should have been her greatest moment, as she's left standing at the altar with no groom. Seeing their gal pal in pain, Samantha (Cattral), Charlotte (Davis) and Miranda (Nixon) take Carrie to a Caribbean island to help take her mind off being jilted.
Reel Talk:
First, this is truly a movie for the women, which I'm sure the TV series was catered to anyway. Second, why didn't they just do this as a 2 hour made for TV special? Ok, I know taking it to the big screen will make big money, but come on now, really? For me, the focal point is Cattral's character Samantha, boy is she a freak. You just never know whats she's going to do next or who. Fellas let the women do their ladies night out on this one.
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattral, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Chris Noth and Jennifer Hudson
Directed by: Michael Patrick King
Rated: R
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
THE STRANGERS
Plot:
After attending a wedding reception together, James (Speedman) and Kristen (Tyler) head for a little getaway to a rural vacation home owned by James' deceased father. Once their the two share how much they are truly devoted to one another and would like to move to the next level. Whats suppose to be a joyous weekend soon turns to terror as three masked stangers arrive and soon begins to taunt the couple with violence.
Reel Talk:
This was another attempt at a horror/slasher movie that fails. There is no real understanding as to why the strangers are bothering the couple, where did they come from or why they wear the masks. And why did it take 90 minutes film time when they could have killed them anytime throughout the movie with ease? There is too many loose ends and of course dumb mistakes by the victims that make this just another poor slasher movie.
Starring: Scott Speedman, Live Tyler, Gemma Ward, Kip Weeks and Laura Margolis
Directed by: Bryan Bertino
Rated: R
I give it 1 corndog
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
After attending a wedding reception together, James (Speedman) and Kristen (Tyler) head for a little getaway to a rural vacation home owned by James' deceased father. Once their the two share how much they are truly devoted to one another and would like to move to the next level. Whats suppose to be a joyous weekend soon turns to terror as three masked stangers arrive and soon begins to taunt the couple with violence.
Reel Talk:
This was another attempt at a horror/slasher movie that fails. There is no real understanding as to why the strangers are bothering the couple, where did they come from or why they wear the masks. And why did it take 90 minutes film time when they could have killed them anytime throughout the movie with ease? There is too many loose ends and of course dumb mistakes by the victims that make this just another poor slasher movie.
Starring: Scott Speedman, Live Tyler, Gemma Ward, Kip Weeks and Laura Margolis
Directed by: Bryan Bertino
Rated: R
I give it 1 corndog
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Monday, May 26, 2008
INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
Plot:
Indiana Jones (Ford) is recruited by a young rebel rouser named Mutt Williams (LaBeouf) to help him find Jones' friend Professor Oxley (Hurt) and Williams' mom Marion (Allen), who happens to be Jones' long lost love from the first film. The two came up missing in their search for a missing crystal skull that possesses great power and must be returned to it's rightful owner. Of course Jones must encounter those evil Russians who are out for total supremacy, this time led by the ruthless Irina Spalko (Blanchett) who will stop at nothing to gain the power of the skull.
Reel Talk:
It's been like 19 years since the last Indiana Jones movie so yes Ford has aged a bit, ok a lot, and his slower steps do show in this movie. But taking nothing away, I think that was ingenious to show his Jones character aging on the screen, assuring us that he is human and possibly passing the torch to the younger LaBeouf, who did a great job as his new sidekick. In typical Indy fashion the action, although always unbelievable, is fast and intense. I wouldn't actually compare this film to any of the previous ones, but I will say it is enjoyable and always good seeing Harrison reprise one of the roles that makes him an acting icon.
Starring: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone and John Hurt
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Indiana Jones (Ford) is recruited by a young rebel rouser named Mutt Williams (LaBeouf) to help him find Jones' friend Professor Oxley (Hurt) and Williams' mom Marion (Allen), who happens to be Jones' long lost love from the first film. The two came up missing in their search for a missing crystal skull that possesses great power and must be returned to it's rightful owner. Of course Jones must encounter those evil Russians who are out for total supremacy, this time led by the ruthless Irina Spalko (Blanchett) who will stop at nothing to gain the power of the skull.
Reel Talk:
It's been like 19 years since the last Indiana Jones movie so yes Ford has aged a bit, ok a lot, and his slower steps do show in this movie. But taking nothing away, I think that was ingenious to show his Jones character aging on the screen, assuring us that he is human and possibly passing the torch to the younger LaBeouf, who did a great job as his new sidekick. In typical Indy fashion the action, although always unbelievable, is fast and intense. I wouldn't actually compare this film to any of the previous ones, but I will say it is enjoyable and always good seeing Harrison reprise one of the roles that makes him an acting icon.
Starring: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone and John Hurt
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN
Plot:
When his evil uncle tries to have him killed, Prince Caspian (Barnes) flees his kingdom and summons the Kings and Queens of Narnia (the Pevensie siblings Lucy (Henley), Edmund (Keynes), Peter (Moseley) and Susan (Popplewell), who have been away for over a thousand years to help regain his rightful place to his throne. Upon their return, the Royal family finds that Narnia is no longer the magical kingdom they once ruled and that all the village dwellers are in hiding from fear of the same uncle that's after the Prince. They must now form an army and defeat this madman so that order may be restored to the town of Narnia.
Reel Talk:
In this sequel to The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, I kinda felt like something was missing, oh yeah, a lot more action. They should have beef it up with a little more battles and a lot less dialog. It just seemed to drag in some areas of the movie. Will do well at the box office, but the first one was better.
Starring: Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley and Anna Popplewell
Directed by: Andrew Adamson
Rated: PG
I give it 2 and a half eaten corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
When his evil uncle tries to have him killed, Prince Caspian (Barnes) flees his kingdom and summons the Kings and Queens of Narnia (the Pevensie siblings Lucy (Henley), Edmund (Keynes), Peter (Moseley) and Susan (Popplewell), who have been away for over a thousand years to help regain his rightful place to his throne. Upon their return, the Royal family finds that Narnia is no longer the magical kingdom they once ruled and that all the village dwellers are in hiding from fear of the same uncle that's after the Prince. They must now form an army and defeat this madman so that order may be restored to the town of Narnia.
Reel Talk:
In this sequel to The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, I kinda felt like something was missing, oh yeah, a lot more action. They should have beef it up with a little more battles and a lot less dialog. It just seemed to drag in some areas of the movie. Will do well at the box office, but the first one was better.
Starring: Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley and Anna Popplewell
Directed by: Andrew Adamson
Rated: PG
I give it 2 and a half eaten corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS
Plot:
Joy (Diaz) just got dumped by her boyfriend and Jack (Kutcher) just got fired from his job, which by the way is a company owned by his dad Jack Sr. (Williams). So what do they both decide on, a wild weekend in Vegas with each of their best friends for support. When they are mistakenly put in the same suite together, the foursome set out to make the best of the situation. While out on the town and getting extremely intoxicated Jack and Joy get married. The next morning the two realize what they have done and plan to immediately get the marriage annulled until Jack wins 3 million dollars off a coin given to him by Joy. Neither wants to split the money so they must stay married so that each will try to make life hell for the other until one gives up the full prize.
Reel Talk:
Asthon Kutcher continues to show us why he is one of the funniest actors in the game right now. Even though the movie lacked originality (I kept thinking of his other movie "Just Married"), it's his childish personality that makes the film enjoyable, along with the charming Diaz. Rob Corddry and Lake Bell are good as the bickering best friends to the newly married couple. This movie is good for some laughs.
Starring: Asthon Kuthcher, Cameron Diaz, Robb Corddry, Lake Bell, Treat Williams, Dennis Farina and Queen Latifah
Directed by: Tom Vaughn
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Joy (Diaz) just got dumped by her boyfriend and Jack (Kutcher) just got fired from his job, which by the way is a company owned by his dad Jack Sr. (Williams). So what do they both decide on, a wild weekend in Vegas with each of their best friends for support. When they are mistakenly put in the same suite together, the foursome set out to make the best of the situation. While out on the town and getting extremely intoxicated Jack and Joy get married. The next morning the two realize what they have done and plan to immediately get the marriage annulled until Jack wins 3 million dollars off a coin given to him by Joy. Neither wants to split the money so they must stay married so that each will try to make life hell for the other until one gives up the full prize.
Reel Talk:
Asthon Kutcher continues to show us why he is one of the funniest actors in the game right now. Even though the movie lacked originality (I kept thinking of his other movie "Just Married"), it's his childish personality that makes the film enjoyable, along with the charming Diaz. Rob Corddry and Lake Bell are good as the bickering best friends to the newly married couple. This movie is good for some laughs.
Starring: Asthon Kuthcher, Cameron Diaz, Robb Corddry, Lake Bell, Treat Williams, Dennis Farina and Queen Latifah
Directed by: Tom Vaughn
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
SPEED RACER
Plot:
Even as a kid, all Speed Racer (Hirsch) wanted to do was race cars just like his dad (Goodman) and big brother, racing champ Rex Racer (Porter). Now he's grown up and is the top racer on the tracks since his brother was killed racing in the most dangerous yet high stakes tournament for racers.Because Speed wants to stay pure and continue to let his family manage him instead of bowing to the rich but corrupt sponsors who want to back him, he now has a bounty on his head for any racing mercenary who can take him out of the big races. But it won't be that easy with Speed driving his super charged hi - tech Marx IV.
Reel Talk:
Growing up watching the cartoon series Speed Racer, the movie brought back memories. Even back then the action was unbelievable, yet entertaining. The movie was quite enjoyable, you just got to adjust to the multi-colored visual effects that make up the back drop of the film. Overall a great kids movie.
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Scott Porter and Matthew Fox
Directed by: Andy and Larry Wachowski
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Even as a kid, all Speed Racer (Hirsch) wanted to do was race cars just like his dad (Goodman) and big brother, racing champ Rex Racer (Porter). Now he's grown up and is the top racer on the tracks since his brother was killed racing in the most dangerous yet high stakes tournament for racers.Because Speed wants to stay pure and continue to let his family manage him instead of bowing to the rich but corrupt sponsors who want to back him, he now has a bounty on his head for any racing mercenary who can take him out of the big races. But it won't be that easy with Speed driving his super charged hi - tech Marx IV.
Reel Talk:
Growing up watching the cartoon series Speed Racer, the movie brought back memories. Even back then the action was unbelievable, yet entertaining. The movie was quite enjoyable, you just got to adjust to the multi-colored visual effects that make up the back drop of the film. Overall a great kids movie.
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Scott Porter and Matthew Fox
Directed by: Andy and Larry Wachowski
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
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