Pages

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

35 & Ticking: A midly enjoyable take on modern relationships


Rating:
***
By: Da'Mon Guy

     35 & Ticking is a fairly mundane, lackluster narrative that attempts to address the positive and negative dynamics of love and friendship. The film tries to use the lives of four childhood friends to showcase the different situations that people face in the pursuit of happiness. The film stars Tamala Jones (Tamala Jones), Nicole Ari Parker (Black Dynamite), Keith Robinson (Dear John), Wendy Raquel Robinson (Something New), Kevin Hart (Little Fockers), Darius McCray (Next Day Air), Mike Epps (Jumping The Broom), and Megan Good (Jumping The Broom).

     35 & Ticking is a humdrum, disjointed story which offers a mildly enjoyable combination of drama and comedy. The film premiered in limited release in 2011. It’s a movie that covers a multitude of relationship issues that are prevalent in modern society. One of the overriding themes of the film addresses is the self induced biological clock that society tends to place on women to have the desire to have a child by a certain age. In addition, the film attempts to provide a modern outlook on multiple aspects of heterosexual interactions, from relationships to dating to marriage.

For the full review, continue reading at:
http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-35-ticking-a-midly-enjoyable-take-on-modern-relationships-review


The Ward: A lackluster attempt at horror


Rating:
**
By: Da'Mon Guy

John Carpenter’s The Ward is a dreadful, inexplicable catastrophe that blurs the lines of reality in a depressing effort to tell the story of a series of eerie murders that occur in a mental institution. The chills are far and few between as it lacks any suspense to be considered a tale of terror. The movie stars Amber Heard (Drive Angry), Mamie Gummer (Twelve Thirty), Danielle Panabaker (The Crazies), Laura Liegh (Numbers “TV series“), Lyndsy Fonseca (Kick-Ass), and Jared Harris (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button).


     John Carpenter’s The Ward is a boorish, disappointing chore of viewing that hobbles along as it fails to justify being labeled a horror/suspense film. This lame exhibition occurs in 1966. The story revolves around the unexplained disappearances of some of the patients in a mental institution. It tries to create a level of psychosis within a tale of the supernatural as a ghost appears to be responsible for the mysterious vanishing of the patients. The movie premiered in limited release in the late summer of 2011.

for the full review continue reading at:
http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-the-ward-a-lackluster-attempt-at-horror-review


Your Highness: A Poor Excuse for Comedy


Rating:
*1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy
     Your Highness is an insanely raunchy, uncouth take on medieval times that infuses an excessive use of vulgarity, obscenities, and crude humor in an attempt to poke fun at great tales of enchantment and swashbuckling. It’s 90 minutes of unmitigated offensive efforts that fail to be funny. The movie stars Danny McBride (30 Minutes or Less), James Franco (127 Hours), Natalie Portman (Thor), Zoey Deschanel (500 Days of Summer), Toby Jones (The Rite), and Justin Theoraux (Megamind).


     Your Highness is a scarcely amusing disaster that is an unsuccessful marring of the combination of ridiculousness and senselessness. This mind-numbing absurdity implements an unjustifiable use of vulgarity coupled with an incalculable amount of sexual references that tries to be funny. It attempts to add a jocular perspective on the great tales of high adventure and fantasy. The film pokes fun at many aspects of tales of fantasy such as wizards, dwarves, and fairies who all make their way into this debauchery.

continue reading at:
http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-your-highness-a-poor-excuse-for-entertainment-that-review

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: Nothing New just More of the Same


Rating:
***
By: Da'Mon Guy

     Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is the swash-buckling, thrill-seeking epic that continues the legacy and adventures of notorious but quirky pirate, Capt. Jack Sparrow. This latest film is about a quest for the legendary Fountain of Youth that implements the same entertaining fusion of fantasy, comedy and action that has made the series of films successful. The film returns Johnny Depp (The Tourist), Geoffrey Rush (The Warrior‘s Way), and Kevin McNally (Valkyrie). It also introduces new comers such as Penelope Cruz (Sex and the City 2), Ian McShane (Case 39) and to the franchise.


     Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is the daring, extravagant 4th installment in the incredibly successful series of films. This iteration attempts to implement the many of the elements of the same formula that made the prior trio of movies a success. It also returns many of the characters from the franchise that has now been going strong for nearly ten years. The first Pirates film debuted in 2003

for the full review, continue reading at:

http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/pirates-of-the-caribbean-on-stranger-tides-more-of-the-same-review

Bridesmaids: Funny but not as hirlarious as advertised


Rating:
**1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

     Bridesmaids is an moderately entertaining, unorthodox commingling of rauchiness, senselessness and zaniness. The film uses an uncommon approach to comedy that is sparsely laced with moments of comedy however, it doesn’t quite measure up to the hype that surrounded it during its stint in the theaters over this past summer. The movie stars Kristen Wiig (Whip It), Mya Randolph (MacGrubber), Rose Byrne (Insidious), Melissa McCarthy (The Back-Up Plan), Chris O’Dowd (Gulliver’s Travels), John Hamm (The Town), and Terry Crews (The Expendables).



     Bridesmaids is a humorous, crude farce about the true test of friendship through time and change. The film uses a jocular approach to tell the story of two lifelong friends whose lives have taken two completely contrasting directions. As one has found a happy and healthy relationship, the other’s life has taken a turn in the opposite direction. This is a comedy that is truly a story of a woman that has lost her way in life. Annie (Wiig) is at a crossroads in her professional and personal life but it all boils to a head when her best friend’s life is set to undergo a drastic change. Annie begins to question the bond between the two as it is tested because of change. At the core of this misleading debacle is the warm story of two friends who‘s lives have taken different directions causing the nature of their childhood friendship to change. After Lillian (Randolph) announces her marriage, Annie discovers the relationship between Helen (Byrne) and Lillian. Soon after, a competition for the bride’s friendship develops. A lot of the humor is focused on the budding rivalry between the childhood friend vs. the now current friend. The film revolves around the jealousy that Annie feels towards Helen as she has become Lillian’s seemingly new best friend.

Continue reading at:

http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-bridesmaids-funny-but-not-as-hirlarious-as-advertised-review




Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Batman Year One: An Entertaing Variation to the Origin of The Dark Knight


Rating:
***1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy


Batman: Year One is an entertaining, insightful tale that induces a more humanizing perspective to the larger than life persona of one of the more iconic characters of modern folk lore. This humbling narrative also creatively establishes the symbiotic relationship that lies at the heart of the Batman universe. The film depicts a real world outlook on the early exploits and origins of one of the modern day icon. The film features the voices of Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad “TV series), Ben McKenzie (88 Minutes), Eliza Dushku (Doll House “TV series”), Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica “TV series”), and Alex Rocco (Smokin’ Aces).


     Batman: Year One is an eye-opening, realistic undertaking that uniquely interweaves a dual perspective on the beginnings of a pair of the core characters of the Batman universe. This is the latest animated movie from DC comics that was inspired by the comic of the same name that premiered in 1987. Batman: Year One chronicles the arrival of Jim Gordon, the rise of Selena Kyle to the character of Catwoman and Bruce Wayne/Batman and impressively intertwines them all to create the foundation of this story. It’s a fantastic showcase that details the early struggles and duress that each faced on their way to joining forces to rid the streets of Gotham City of corruption and crime.


     The courageous exploits of Batman’s early career are mostly a back-story of the narrative as they are shown in quick flashes as Batman: Year One isn’t really The Dark Knight’s story. It predominately focuses on the Jim Gordon dynamic of the story. A unique, advantageous perspective of Jim Gordon’s rise is utilized and shows some of the never before seen elements of his origin. The tale gives a detailed, dated monthly account of their symbiotic genesis. Gordon’s story is the more interesting of the two perspectives. It adds a fresh take on the story. This approach also adds a humanizing, very sympathetic element to the larger than life super hero element of the tale.


     An intriguing story of corruption which manages to infuse many of the well known aspects of the origin Batman. It showcases Batman in a new light. He is unsure, uneasy, not the confident, self assured hero that he is known as. This iteration is about him trying to find his niche.


     The film shows an extremely dramatic version of the source of motivation for Bruce Wayne’s inspiration for the use of a bat to make it his namesake. It also infuses and adds a twist to one of the more famous scenes from Batman Begins. Last but not least, this enlightening expose manages to incorporate a number of characters from a combination of multiple incarnation of the usage of Batman, from the movies to the comics Vicki Vale, Commissioner Leob, Detective Flask, Carmine Falcone, Harvey Dent all make appearances in film.


     Batman: Year One is a fairly entertaining, enlightening perspective of the ascension of Bruce Wayne to the mantle of the Dark Knight. The story features a some eye-opening aspects that will delight fans of the character. However, it moves at a very slow pace and isn’t the most action packed usage of the character. Hardcore fans will have a greater level of appreciation for “Year One.“ It is a good watch but not a must see.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Batman Year 1: An entertaining variation on the Dark Knigh's origin - Baltimore Animation | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/animation-in-baltimore/dvd-review-batman-year-1-an-entertaining-variation-on-the-dark-knigh-s-origin-review#ixzz1f699f0HA

Wonder Woman: The Best Depiction of DC Comics's Fabled Heroine


Rating:
****1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

Wonder Woman is a pragmatic, multifaceted epic that entertainingly updates and recreates the origin story of one of the oldest characters in comics. The film is an animated celebration of femininity that aptly depicts the character of Wonder Woman as a superhero on par with the more highly touted male superheroes. The movie stars Keri Russell (Extraordinary Measures), Alfred Molina (Rango), Nathan Fillion (Green Lantern: Emerald Knights), Rosario Dawson (Zookeeper), and Virginia Madsen (Red Riding Hood).

  
  Wonder Woman is a hardnosed, revitalizing adventure that sheds a new perspective on one of DC comics “Holy Trinity” of cornerstone superheroes (The other two are Superman and Batman).The film is an exciting modernization of the oldest female heroine in modern comics. The character of Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston and debuted in All Star Comics #8 in 1941. This is an action-packed undertaking that features an unmatched level of brutality in a DC comics animated feature.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Wonder Woman (2008): The best depiction of DC's fabled heroine - Baltimore Animation | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/animation-in-baltimore/dvd-review-wonder-woman-2008-the-best-depiction-of-dc-s-fabled-heroine-review#ixzz1f65CAvie

Justice League: New Frontier (2008):


Rating:
****
By: Da'Mon Guy
   
     Justice League: New Frontier is an enthralling, hardnosed perception on the formation of the Justice League of America. The film is a adult-themed, clever commingling of many of the stories of the characters that comprise the DC universe. The film features the voice talents of David Boreanaz (Bones "TV series), Neil Patrick Harris (Beastly), Miguel Ferrer (The Manchurian Candidate), Kyle MacLachlan (), Lucy Lawless (Spartacus: Blood and Sand "TV series"), Keith David (Lottery Ticket), Brooke Shields (Midnight Meat Train), Kyra Sedgewick (Gamer), and Jeremy Sisto (Unknown).


     Justice League: New Frontier is an entertaining animated feature that premiered in 2008. The film implements a mature-themed outlook on the creation of the Justice League of America (JLA) that employs a real life outlook on the world of DC comic’s famed characters. The movie occurs in early 1950’s also known as the Silver Age of comics. It’s an engaging story that unfolds like an old fashioned mystery of the era that the story occurs in. It manages to interweave the origins of a few of the Leaguers such as Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter, as well as what made Batman choose a sidekick. It’s an creative use of the characters of the DC universe. New Frontier allows for many other characters from the various titles in the DC universe to make an appearance in the film as well. In addition to the JLA, there are characters that are introduced such as Blackhawks, Adam Strange, Wildcat, Mr. Freeze, and Gorilla Grood just to name a few.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Justice League: New Frontier (2008): - Baltimore Animation | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/animation-in-baltimore/dvd-review-justice-league-new-frontier-2008-review#ixzz1f61OvsA1


The Ghost Writer: A Lackluster Mystery that Misuses a Talented Casts


Rating:
**1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

     The Ghost Writer is a painstakingly boorish, lifeless pilferage that is a complete and unmitigated waste of the talented actors that comprise the film. This insufferable calamity is a torturous chore of viewing that drearily drags the audience through its tedious attempt at a mystery. The film stars Pierce Bronsnan (Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightening Thief), Ewan McGregor (The Men Who Stare at Goats), Kim Cattrall (Sex and the City 2), Olivia Williams (Hanna), Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton), Timothy Hutton (The Last Mimzy), and Jim Belushi (Cougars Inc).


     The Ghost Writer is an inexcusable, second rate snooze fest that attempts to induce a level of suspense into an awful, mundane story that barely entertains. This anesthetic mishap surrounds a secret manuscript of Adam Lang, a former prime minister who has been charged with war crimes. The film is based on a book by Robert Harris.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: The Ghost Writer: a lackluster mystery that misuses a talented cast - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-the-ghost-writer-a-lackluster-mystery-that-misuses-a-talented-cast-review#ixzz1f5z7CqkV


Thursday, November 17, 2011

Immortals: Superior imagery combined with a substandard story


Rating:
***
By: Da'Mon Guy


     Immortals is a graphic, visceral extravaganza that implements the use of stunning visuals as well as an extremely high level of violence and brutality as subterfuge to mask the shortcomings of a lackluster, dreary story. It’s a dreary, melodramatic tale that makes a mishandled attempt to reintroduce some of the elements of great Greek tragedies to a modern audience but it simply comes up short. The film stars Henry Cavill (Stardust), Mickey Rourke (The Expendables), Stephen Douriff (Buck Larson: Born to be a Star), Freda Pinto (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Luke Evans (The Three Musketeers), John Hurt (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Pt. 2), and Anne Day-Jones (Source Code).

    
     Immortals is a violent, brutal exhibition that miserably tries to intermingle some of the timeless elements of age old story telling such as tyranny, treachery, and faith with modern groundbreaking visual effects. It’s a bungled waste of terrific visual effects as the boorish nature of a dreary narrative deprive the true enjoyment of it. The film is the story of a faithless man who was able to attain a place amongst the Greek gods.


Continue reading on Examiner.com Movie review: Immortals: Superior imagery combined with a substandard story - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/movie-review-immortals-superior-imagery-combined-with-a-substandard-story-review#ixzz1dyfActG8

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs: A Great Watch


Rating:
****1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy


Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is an imaginative, wondrous happenstance that creatively intertwines a theme heavy story with an outrageous premise to create a great family-friendly tale. The movie is a quirky story that encourages its viewers to follow and never giving up on their dreams. The movie is complimented by an extremely talented cast that features the voice talents of Bill Hader (Paul), Anna Faris (What‘s Your Number), Mr. T (Not Another Teen Movie), James Caan (Henry's Crime), Bruce Campbell (Cars 2), Mr. T, Benjamin Bratt (Trucker), Neil Patrick Harris (Beastly), Andy Samburg (Friends With Benefits), Al Roker (Robots), Will Forte (MacGrubber) and Lauren Graham (Flash of Genius).


     Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a clever, universally appealing journey into imagination. This story applies a light-hearted and extremely up-beat approach to a story to deliver a number of warm messages about the truly important things in life. The film is based on the popular children's book of the same name.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (2009): A great watch!!! - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-cloudy-with-a-chance-of-meatballs-2009-a-great-watch-review#ixzz1dMT5F9KS

Soul Men (2008): A hilarious film about the uneasy transition of life


Rating:
****
By: Da'Mon Guy


     Soul Men is a hysterical, uproarious experience that focuses on the journey that two former music partners undertake as they try to reconnect after a 30 year separation from one another. The film is a hilarious singularity about the uneasy transition of life that is chocked full of obscenities and vulgarity. The movie stars Samuel L. Jackson (The Other Guys), Bernie Mac (Ocean's 12), Mike Epps (35 & Ticking), and. It also features appearances by Vanessa Del Rio, and John Legend (Loverboy).

     Soul Men is a humorous, spirited debauchery that revolves around the world of the music industry. It
premiered in 2008. It’s a clever comedic outing about an uneasy partnership of two former 60’s performers that came to an end because of a dispute over love for the same woman. It’s a movie about two former entertainers who had an a estranged friendship that has withstood the test of time. The film is laced with themes about life, love, and forgiveness.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Soul Men(2008): A hilarious film about the uneasy transition of life - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-soul-men-2008-a-hilarious-film-about-the-uneasy-transition-of-life-review#ixzz1dMRUcVNH

Monday, October 31, 2011

The Thing (2011): A Good Reimagining but lacks the chills of the version


Rating:
***1/2

     In Hollywood’s unmitigated and unrelenting efforts to remake every movie imaginable, The Thing is one of the latest films, to get a redo. The Thing is one of the few of the insane amount of remakes/ re-imaginings that does its predecessor a credit. It’s innovative, enjoyable endeavor that is created to serve as a precursor to one of the truly great horror movies of the early 1980’s, John Carpenter’s The Thing. The film stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World), Joel Eggerton (Warrior), Adewale Akinnouye Agbaje (Faster), and Eric Christian Olsen (The Back-Up Plan).



     The Thing is an entertaining, inventive aberration that makes a commendable attempt to reintroduce a classic story a new generation of viewers. The Thing is a prequel that reveals the discovery of the extraterrestrial and the events that lead up to the beginning of the 1982 film. This retelling of the tale encompasses the story of the first team of scientists who actually unearth the “Thing” from its icy grave. It’s the second film to bear the name (The Thing 1982) and the third film to be based on the story “Who Goes There?” by John Campbell. The other movie was named “The Thing From Another World” (1951).


Continue reading on Examiner.com Movie review: The Thing (2011): Good but lacks the chills of the prior version - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/movie-review-the-thing-2011-good-but-lacks-the-chills-of-the-prior-version-review#ixzz1cOtMBNro

Friday, October 14, 2011

Something Borrowed: A Montonous Chore of a Love Story


Rating:
***
By: Da'Mon Guy


     Something Borrowed is a drawn out, tedious fiasco that focuses on missed opportunities and harsh choices. It’s a monotonous chore of a romantic comedy which follows the story of two life-long friends with completely contrasting personalities who share a mutual love for the same man. The movie stars Ginnifer Goodwin (He’s Just Not That Into You), Kate Hudson (Bride Wars), Colin Egglesfield (Must Love Dogs), John Krasinski (It‘s Complicated), Steve Howey (Stan Helsing), and Ashley Williams (Margin Call).


     Something Borrowed is mind-numbing, dreary exhibition of the tough, difficult choices that one must often make for love. The film is based on the best selling book Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin. The movie has a number of picture perfect moments that highlight the tiresome love story. The film easily entrances the audience and feels just like a fairy tale. It is a love story that is told through multiple flashbacks, subtle nuances, and small gestures that are utilized to whisk the audience through Rachel’s passionate but laid back love interest for Dexter.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Something Borrowed (2011): A monotonous chore of a love story - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-something-borrowed-2011-a-monotonous-chore-of-a-love-story-review#ixzz1al0pcmvG

And Soon the Darkness: A Less Than Stellar Story of Abduction



Rating:
**1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

     And Soon The Darkness is a panic-stricken, suspense-filled account that preys on the fears that some American tourist have once they step onto foreign soil. The movie is a anxiety inducing combination of mystery, horror, and suspense. The film stars Amber Heard (Drive Angry), Odette Yustman (You Again), and Karl Urban (Priest).


     And Soon The Darkness is a moderately entertaining, somewhat alarming account of the about the abduction of two young women in a foreign country. The movie debuted in limited release in 2010. It is a remake of a 1970’s British film of the same name that was written by Brian Clemens and Terry Nation. The film tells the story of two beautiful young women with contrasting personalities and beliefs who visit Argentina for a vacation that quickly becomes a nightmare of an experience when one of them goes missing.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: And Soon The Darkness (2010): A less than stellar vacation thriller - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-and-soon-the-darkness-2010-review#ixzz1akudOTga

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Ultimate Avengers 2: A Near Perfect Continuance

Rating:
****
By: Da'Mon Guy

     Ultimate Avengers 2 is a pragmatic, invigorating continuance that creatively builds on the foundation of the adventures of The Ultimate Avengers. Ultimate Avengers 2 takes a real world approach on the world of comics and the use of its characters. The movie returns all of the original actors who voiced the first film. It features the voice talents of Justin Gross (Ultimate Avengers), Grey Delislie (Batman: Year One), Michael Masse (The Resident), Olivia D’Abo (Green Lantern: First Flight), Marc Worden (The Invincible Iron Man), Nan McNamara (Criminal Minds: TV show), Nolan North (Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths), Andre Ware (Hotel For Dogs), David Boat (Super Hero Squad: TV show), Fred Tatascoire (Tangled), and Jim Ward (Toy Story 3).


     Ultimate Avengers 2 (UA 2) is the direct to DVD follow up to the Marvel comics animated film Ultimate Avengers that premiered in 2006. This sequel debuted in the latter half of 2006. The film is based on The Ultimates, the same ground-breaking comic as the prior incarnation. The Ultimates were created for Marvel Comics by Mark Milar (writer) and Bryan Hitch (pencils). The Ultimates were originally developed with three reasons in mind. First, to re-introduce fans to the classic characters of the Avengers and to attract a new base of fans. Second and more specifically, it was intended to attract the fans who didn’t necessarily follow the history of the characters or who didn’t follow the canon of comics. And finally, the Utimates were designed to attract the audience who followed the films and not necessarily the hardcore comics fans. It was an updating of the characters in an attempt to draw a new younger fan base. The Ultimates were originally designed to be an anti-terrorist unit.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Ultimate Avengers 2(2006): A Near perfect contiuance - Baltimore Animation | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/animation-in-baltimore/dvd-review-ultimate-avengers-2-2006-a-near-perfect-contiuance-review#ixzz1XMO0Hle8

Priest: A Clever Concept Muddled in a Lackluster Delivery


Rating:
***
By: Da'Mon Guy

     Hollywood’s inexhaustible obsession with vampires rages on! Priest is one of the more recent uses of the legendary character. The film uses a fairly entertaining intermingling of sci-fi and horror that entails a story of an age-old confrontation between mankind and vampires. The film stars Paul Bettany (The Tourist), Karl Urban (Star Trek 2009), Cam Gigandet (Easy A), Maggie Q (Live Free or Die Hard), Christopher Plummer (The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus), and Brad Dourif (Halloween II 2009).


     Priest is an idealistic, action-oriented story of faith, isolation, and sacrifice. The film is a moderately
enjoyable commingling of science fiction and horror. This is a futuristic, post apocalyptic tale which tells the story of an elite order of priest that are super soldiers/vampire slayers who were able to defeat the vampires and restore control of the world to the humans. The film is based on the Japanese graphic novel by Min-Woo Hyung .


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Priest: A clever concept muddled in a lackluster delivery - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-priest-review#ixzz1XM79wd1n

Jumping The Broom: A Fairly Enjoyable Take on Modern Romance


Rating:
***
By: Da"Mon Guy

     Jumping the Broom is a witty, drama-laced assemblage of Afro-American talent that incorporates a humorous aspect into a fairy tale like modern day romance. The movie is a contemporary fable that embellishes on the larger than life romantic desires of many of today’s female movie going audience. This idealistic undertaking is highlighted by an all star afro American cast featuring the likes of Angela Bassett (Green Lantern), Laz Alonzo (Fast & Furious), Paula Patton (Just Wright), Loretta Devine (Madea‘ Big Happy Family), Megan Good (The Unborn), Julie Bowen (Horrible Bosses), Tasha Smith (Why Did I Get Married Too), Mike Epps (Faster), Deray Davis (Life As We Know It), Valarie Pettiford (Why Did I Get Married Too), Pooch Hall (Stomp The Yard 2), Romeo “Lil Romeo” Miller ( and Gary Dourdan (Perfect Stranger).

     Jumping the Broom implements a surreal approach to modern romance. It has a number of jocular moments that embellish on the differences between sexes, culture, and relationships. In addition, it’s filled with a number of subplots that enhance the realism of the movie. The movie questions the foundation of many relationships within a family. It is stocked with stereotypes of Afro-American characters but it pokes fun at them.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Jumping The Broom: A fairly enjoyable take on modern romance - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-jumping-the-broom-a-assmeblage-of-afro-american-t-review#ixzz1XJqv15Kq

Friday, September 2, 2011

Dylan Dog: Dead of Night: A Moderately Entertaining Detective Story with a Supernatural Twist

Rating:
***
By: Da'Mon Guy

     Dylan Dog: Dead of Night is a fairly entertaining, pedestrian film that attempts to merge an old school detective film with the elements of the supernatural. The film is the story of the undead and members of the supernatural who walk in shadows amongst the living. The movie stars Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), Peter Stormare (Constantine), Sam Huntington (Superman Returns), Taye Diggs (Basic), Anita Briem (Journey to the Center of the Earth), and Kurt Angle (Warrior).


     Dylan Dog: Dead of Night is a moderately enjoyable film that is very reminiscent of the Carl Kojak: The Night Stalker television series. The movie is based on a comic book, Dylan Dog, by Tizano Schalavi that was released in 1986. It is told in the mold of an old school style classic, vintage detective stories with a voice over by Dylan Dog. The film is laced with bouts of senselessness and ridiculousness that accentuate a tale of the undead and the afterlife. A zombie support group, a body shop with human parts, and even a humorous take on the use of hotdogs, all make an appearance in this supernatural aberration.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Dylan Dog: Dead of Night: Detective story with a supernatural twist - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-dylan-dog-dead-of-night-review#ixzz1WnfbafVD

Insidious: An Entertaining Throwback to Classic Horror Films

Rating:
***1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

     Insidious is a tension-filled, anxiety-inducing tale that creates a level of fear through multiple uses of subtle nuances to generate thrills and chills. The film is the story of a supernatural commonality that is shared by a father and a son. The film stars Patrick Wilson (The Switch), Rose Byrne (X-Men: First Class), Lin Shaye (My Sister's Keeper), Andrew Astor (The Hangover), Ty Simpkins (The Next Three Days), and Barbara Hershey (Black Swan).

     Insidious is a film that takes an unorthodox perspective on the often told stories of haunting and possession. The film tells a tale of one family’s struggle against the supernatural forces of evil. It is very reminiscent of classic horror stories that were built on increasing uneasiness and stress instead of the blood, guts, and gore of many modern horror films.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Insidious: An entertaining throwback to classic horror films - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-insidious-an-entertaining-throwback-to-classic-horror-films-review#ixzz1Wnds7BxF


Monday, August 29, 2011

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Don't Miss It


Rating:
*****
By: Da'Mon Guy 

     Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a multi-faceted, compelling chronicle that creatively utilizes a sci-fi premise to bring to life an engrossing story of emancipation and liberation. The movie is an absorbing, imaginative commingling of sci-fi and sci-fact that reinforces the desire of every living thing: freedom. The movie is a prequel to the classic 1968 movie, Planet of the Apes. The movie stars James Franco (127 Hours), John Lithgow (Leap Year), Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Freda Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire), Brian Cox (RED), Tom Felton (Harry Potter series of films), and David Oyelowo (The Help).
   


   "Rise" is an enjoyable precursor that serves as an origin story for the 1968 classic film, Planet of the Apes. Much in the same as that film, both are based on the 1963 classic novel, Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle. This the (7th) movie in the series of films that are based upon the book. This film is the latest take on the book and arguably the possibly the second best, only being surpassed by the original. “Rise” aptly connects the dots that leads up to the return of Taylor (Charleton Heston) to Earth. It answers many of the questions that were raised by the story of the first film.

S.W.A.T: Firefight: A Direct-to-DVD Disaster


Rating:
**1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

     S.W.A.T: Firefight is a below average, incoherent flicker of entertainment that infuses some stereotypical, overused character archetypes with some pathetic, random action sequences to produce a lackluster crime thriller. The latest incarnation is a mundane experience that utilizes a number of clichés and stereotypes that are merged with a dreary story of an elite police squad. The film stars Gabriel Macht (Love & Other Drugs), Kristinna Loken (In The Name of the King), Carly Pope (Stuntmen), Giancarlo Esposito (Rabbit Hole), Robert Patrick (The Men Who Stare at Goats), and Shannon Kane (Madea's Big Happy Family).


     S.W.A.T: Firefight is a lackluster, sad attempt to use an existing brand name to seduce movie lovers into to enduring this catastrophe of an action movie. The newest iteration is a direct-to-DVD follow-up to the S.W.A.T. film that debuted in (2003). Both films are based on the classic television show from the 1970’s.





Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: S.W.A.T: Firefight: A Direct-to-DVD disaster - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-s-w-a-t-firefight-a-direct-to-dvd-disaster-review#ixzz1WRs5RWHu

Rio: A Heartfelt Story of Self Discovery and Love


Rating:
****
By: Da'Mon Guy

     Rio is a heartwarming, charismatic, family-friendly convergence of genres. This enjoyable extravaganza is a sweet love story embedded within a kid’s animated feature. The movie is highlighted by an all-star voice cast, featuring the likes of Jessie Eisenberg (Valentine's Day), Will I Am (X:Men Origins: Wolverine), Tracy Morgan (Cop Out), and Jamie Foxx (Horrible Bosses).


     Rio is a humorous, multifaceted animated feature with universal appeal. It tells the story of the last male Macaw who has been domesticated and then becomes an unlikely hero as he finds true love and his own identity. Blue (Eisenberg), the last male Macaw, travels to Rio to meet and procreate with Jewel (Hathaway), a female Macaw in captivity. Blue, a flightless bird, who has been raised by his human friend Lisa. He lives a very sheltered life in Minnesota. The two birds have a contrast of perceptions about humans: Blue is trusting of humans because of his relationship with Lisa and Jewel is extremely distrusting of them because of her time in the wild and terrible experiences with humans.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD Review: Rio: A Heartfelt Story of Self Discovery and Love - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-rio-a-heartfelt-story-of-discovery-and-love-review#ixzz1WRrJfJjD


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Take Me Home Tonight: A Disappointing, Lackluster Return to the 80's

Rating:
**1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy


     Take Me Home Tonight is moderately humorous, humdrum trip into the recent past. The movie is a lackluster disappointment of a comedy attempts to entertain its audience by whisking its them back into the 1980’s to showcase a wild night of partying through the eyes of four individuals who attended the same high school. The movie stars Topher Grace (Predators), Dan Fogler (Balls of Fire), Anna Farris (What's Your Number), Teresa Palmer (I Am Number Four), and Michael Biehn (Planet Terror).

     Take Me Home Tonight is a humor depraved, second-rate effort to produce a comedy. This disappointment is the story of hopes, dreams, missed opportunities. The film focuses on the lies and misconceptions that people tell in order to impress others.The film has no where near the comedic value that was insinuated from the trailers. Take Me Home Tonight uses the 1980’s as the setting to crime scene for this comically challenged assault on viewers. The film brings back the 80’s and places them on full display.

    
Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Take Me Home Tonight: A disappointing return to the 80's - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-take-me-home-tonight-a-disappointing-return-to-the-80-s-review#ixzz1VqlXfP00


Ultimate Avengers:A Creative Reimagining of the Orgin of The Avengers

Rating:
****
By: Da'Mon Guy
     Ultimate Avengers: The Movie is an innovative, action-packed full-length animated feature that showcases an alternative perspective of the story of the formation of Marvel Comics super team of heroes, The Avengers. The film features many of the characters that will be showcased in the upcoming live-action movie, The Avengers. The movie features the voice talents of Justin Gross, Grey Delisle (G.I. Joe: Resolute), Michael Masse (The Resident), Olivia D’Abo (Green Lantern: First Flight), Marc Worden (The Invincible Iron Man), Nan McNamara (Criminal Minds: TV show), Nolan North (Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths), Andre Ware (Hotel For Dogs), David Boat (Super Hero Squad: TV show), Fred Tatascoire (Tangled), and Jim Ward (Toy Story 3).

      Ultimate Avengers is a inventive, highly enjoyable animated film that was released in 2006. It’s a full length animated feature based on the Marvel comics mini-series called the Ultimates that premiered in 2002. It is by far one of the best animated films to be released by Marvel Animation Studios. The film and comic gives an alternate modern perspective on the creation of Marvel’s long standing super team, The Avengers.


Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Lincoln Lawyer: An Engrossing, Performance-Driven Story of Manipulation and Redemption

Rating:
***1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

     The Lincoln Lawyer is a performance-driven, suspenseful story of atonement, redemption, and perseverance. The movie is a compelling whodunit that exhibits an unparalleled level of manipulation of the law by the individuals who abuse the criminal justice system for personal gain. The film utilizes the talents of an all star cast headlined by Matthew McConaughey (Ghosts of Girlfriend‘s Past), Ryan Phillipe (MacGrubber), and Marisa Tomei (Crazy, Stupid, Love). It also stars William H. Macy (Wild Hogs), Josh Lucas (Shadows and Lies), Michael Pena (Battle: LA), John Leguizamo (Vanishing on 7th Street), Michael Pare’ (Rampage), Bob Guyton (Fracture), and Francis Fisher (The Roommate).

     The Lincoln Lawyer is an entertaining, engaging, crime story that focuses on a high profile, smooth talking lawyer who operates from the backseat of his vintage Ford Lincoln but loses sight of the true meaning of being a defense lawyer in his pursuit of fame, recognition, and money. The film is a great suspense-filled mystery about the “Lincoln Lawyer” as he finally meets his match in another individual whose manipulation of the law forces him to question his moral compass. As he begins to confront his professional and personal demons, the daunting choices he has made begins to haunt him. The movie is based upon the best selling novel from Michael Connelly that was released in 2005.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: The Lincoln Lawyer: An engrossing tale of manipulation & redemption - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-the-lincoln-lawyer-review#ixzz1UYieFAjB