Plot:
Rick (Fraser) and Evelyn (Bello) O'Connell, the famous mummy finders, now retired, try to live the normal life. This proves to be quite boring for the adventure seeking couple, so given the opportunity to deliver an important artifact to China, they jump at the chance. When they arrive there they realize that their son Alex (Ford) who should be away at college, has now become a tomb raider himself, having found the tomb of the Dragon Emperor (Li), a ruthless and powerful ruler with goals of ruling the world until he was cursed by the witch Zi Juan (Yeoh). After being double crossed and forced to bring the Emperor back to life so that he can complete his goal of conquering the world, the family must unite to prevent this from happening.
Reel Talk:
Well the gangs all here for the third installment for the Mummy series with the exception of Rachel Weisz who was replace by Maria Bello and Luke Ford who plays an older Alex.
Right off I got to say that I was very disappointed with this movie, considering that I enjoyed the previous films. It offered nothing different that the others and seemed as if they jammed a bunch of stuff together just to make this movie. Although the special effects were good, it was not enough to help this movie. If they plan on competing with the Indiana Jones series, they have to step it up big for the next film.
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Maria Bello, Luke Ford, John Hannah, Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh
Directed by: Rob Cohen
Rated: PG-13
I give it 2 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
STEP BROTHERS
Plot:
Dr. Robert Doback (Jenkins) and Nancy Huff (Steenburgen) meet at a medical conference and it's love and lust at first sight. The two set out to get married but both come with a lil or should we say a lot of baggage between them, by way of their 40 year old sons, Nancy's Brennan (Ferrell) and Robert's Dale (Reilly). Right off the cuff the two step siblings engage in confrontational competition, trying to establish some ground rules. It becomes clear that the two spoiled childlike men hate each other but do have a few qualities in common, one being the blatant dislike for Brennan's brother Derek (Scott). Eventually the parents unite and force the two men to go out and get jobs causing them to form their own unnatural alliance.
Reel Talk:
Although this is Ferrell and Reilly's second film together, it seems as though they have been doing films together for awhile. The comedic chemistry between the two is hilarious. Ferrell continues to show us why he is one of the funniest guys in the game to date. It really doesn't take much from him, he is a natural talented comedian with an outrageous sense of humor (displayed in the film, since he helped co-write it). This is a stupidly silly movie, but who can't relate to some over-aged loafer living at home with their parents? It is still one of the funniest movies you'll see this summer.
Starring:Wil Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins and Adam Scott
Directed by: Adam McKay
Rated: R
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Dr. Robert Doback (Jenkins) and Nancy Huff (Steenburgen) meet at a medical conference and it's love and lust at first sight. The two set out to get married but both come with a lil or should we say a lot of baggage between them, by way of their 40 year old sons, Nancy's Brennan (Ferrell) and Robert's Dale (Reilly). Right off the cuff the two step siblings engage in confrontational competition, trying to establish some ground rules. It becomes clear that the two spoiled childlike men hate each other but do have a few qualities in common, one being the blatant dislike for Brennan's brother Derek (Scott). Eventually the parents unite and force the two men to go out and get jobs causing them to form their own unnatural alliance.
Reel Talk:
Although this is Ferrell and Reilly's second film together, it seems as though they have been doing films together for awhile. The comedic chemistry between the two is hilarious. Ferrell continues to show us why he is one of the funniest guys in the game to date. It really doesn't take much from him, he is a natural talented comedian with an outrageous sense of humor (displayed in the film, since he helped co-write it). This is a stupidly silly movie, but who can't relate to some over-aged loafer living at home with their parents? It is still one of the funniest movies you'll see this summer.
Starring:Wil Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins and Adam Scott
Directed by: Adam McKay
Rated: R
I give it 3 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Sunday, July 20, 2008
THE DARK KNIGHT
Plot:
Christian Bale reprises his role as Bruce Wayne aka Batman in this follow up film to the 2005 Batman Begins. This time around Batman along with Lt. Gordon (Oldman) join forces with the newly appointed incorruptible District attorney Harvey Dent (Eckhart) to try and bring down the organized mob that is ruining Gotham City along with the diabolical and ruthless Joker (Ledger), whose primary goal is to create complete mayhem and panic throughout the city. Also back on board is Michael Caine as Alfred, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox and director Christopher Nolan who did a great job on the first one. Trying to capture the Joker seems to be a lot more costly for the caped crusader as the body count adds up , unless he reveals his true identity to the crazed villain.
Reel Talk:
It is with great sadness that I say the death of Heath Ledger was a blessing for this movie. I mean his performance is probably the best of his career, but had he not died, there would have been a question mark on how people perceives his role of the Joker to that of Jack Nicholson's. No one is even comparing Eckhart's Two -Face to Tommy Lee Jones earlier version. It is true that with death comes greatness. This is truly a great movie, a little long but not noticeably, because the action is non stop. Maggie Gyllenhaal who replaces Katie Holmes from the original does a decent job as the assistant D.A. Rachel Dawes. Not much expected from her really, the main focus is Ledger's character who once again put in a great performance. Truly a guaranteed box office hit and a must see movie for the summer.
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Rated: PG-13
I give it 5 corndogs & a soda
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Christian Bale reprises his role as Bruce Wayne aka Batman in this follow up film to the 2005 Batman Begins. This time around Batman along with Lt. Gordon (Oldman) join forces with the newly appointed incorruptible District attorney Harvey Dent (Eckhart) to try and bring down the organized mob that is ruining Gotham City along with the diabolical and ruthless Joker (Ledger), whose primary goal is to create complete mayhem and panic throughout the city. Also back on board is Michael Caine as Alfred, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox and director Christopher Nolan who did a great job on the first one. Trying to capture the Joker seems to be a lot more costly for the caped crusader as the body count adds up , unless he reveals his true identity to the crazed villain.
Reel Talk:
It is with great sadness that I say the death of Heath Ledger was a blessing for this movie. I mean his performance is probably the best of his career, but had he not died, there would have been a question mark on how people perceives his role of the Joker to that of Jack Nicholson's. No one is even comparing Eckhart's Two -Face to Tommy Lee Jones earlier version. It is true that with death comes greatness. This is truly a great movie, a little long but not noticeably, because the action is non stop. Maggie Gyllenhaal who replaces Katie Holmes from the original does a decent job as the assistant D.A. Rachel Dawes. Not much expected from her really, the main focus is Ledger's character who once again put in a great performance. Truly a guaranteed box office hit and a must see movie for the summer.
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Rated: PG-13
I give it 5 corndogs & a soda
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
MEET DAVE
Plot:
A spacecraft in the shape of a man's body controlled by a staff of miniature aliens is sent to retrieve a sphere that had fallen to Earth and was found by Josh, a young boy who is always being bullied for being different. Heading the mission is the Captain (Murphy) and his crew who go only by numbers (like No. 2 (Helms) and No. 3 (Union). They must learn the ways of being human all while trying not to give up that they are from another planet. They meet up with Josh and his mother Gina (Banks) who set out to help the group get the sphere back from a bully that took it away from Josh.
Reel Talk:
Ok before going to the screening for this movie I just kept thinking about the awful Adventures Of Pluto Nash starring Eddie Murphy and was saying here we go again.
But this movie was actually a decent film. I don't think it was marketed and promoted right, it should have been targeted as a family/kids movie. Overall it was a much better film than Murphy's Nash. A worthwhile movie but don't expect it to break the bank at the box office.
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Elizabeth Banks, Gabrielle Union, Ed Helms and Kevin Hart
Directed by: Brian Robbins
Rated: PG
I give it 2 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
A spacecraft in the shape of a man's body controlled by a staff of miniature aliens is sent to retrieve a sphere that had fallen to Earth and was found by Josh, a young boy who is always being bullied for being different. Heading the mission is the Captain (Murphy) and his crew who go only by numbers (like No. 2 (Helms) and No. 3 (Union). They must learn the ways of being human all while trying not to give up that they are from another planet. They meet up with Josh and his mother Gina (Banks) who set out to help the group get the sphere back from a bully that took it away from Josh.
Reel Talk:
Ok before going to the screening for this movie I just kept thinking about the awful Adventures Of Pluto Nash starring Eddie Murphy and was saying here we go again.
But this movie was actually a decent film. I don't think it was marketed and promoted right, it should have been targeted as a family/kids movie. Overall it was a much better film than Murphy's Nash. A worthwhile movie but don't expect it to break the bank at the box office.
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Elizabeth Banks, Gabrielle Union, Ed Helms and Kevin Hart
Directed by: Brian Robbins
Rated: PG
I give it 2 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
HANCOCK
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
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
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
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