Mission Impossible 4 Ghost Protocol: The best mission yet!!!

Rating:

****1/2

By: Da'Mon Guy

There have been a lot of films that have been derived from television shows. There are even fewer that live up to the shows that they are based on. And yet even fewer that outdo the shows that were used as a starting point for these films. The Mission Impossible franchise is one of few films that has outdone the television show that it was based upon. Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol is the adrenaline inducing, spectacular extravaganza that renews an adrenaline junkies fervor for action movies. It’s the fourth film in the long running franchise. The movie stars Tom Cruise (Tropic Thunder), Jeremy Renner (The Avengers), Paula Patton (Jumping The Broom), Simon Pegg (Star Trek 2009), and Tom Wilkerson (The Debt).

Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol is a captivation, action packed continuance that infuses strong themes of atonement & redemption, teamwork & overcoming past demons to bring to life the newest addition to one of the more successful franchises in modern movie history. The film is stocked with some great action sequences to become the spectacular fourth addition to the long tenured franchise.



For the entire review, click the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-mission-impossible-4-ghost-protocol-the-best-mission-yet

30 Minutes or Less (2011): A teen focused, humorless depravity

Rating:

**

By: Da'Mon Guy



The saying that youth is wasted on the young is a saying that aptly applies to a number of comedies that are geared towards the notion that today’s youth will laugh at most anything. There as so many comedies that are created that hardly induce any level of humor to someone over the age of 18. 30 Minutes or Less is a an example of Hollywood’s chance to capitlialize on the naiveté of young movie lovers. This catastrophe stars Jessie Eisenberg (The Social Network), Danny McBride (Your Highness), Aziz Asnari, Nick Swarson (Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star), Michael Pena (Tower Heist), and Fred Ward (The Adventures of Remo Williams).

30 Minutes or Less is a hair-brained, humdrum adolescent farce that is laced with obscenities and vulgarities. It’s an extremely lame, flat line of a comedy that doesn’t even garner the attention of watching the trailer. This inexcusable waste of time has more obscenities than it does humor. The movie premiered in late 2011, The film focuses on the hair brained scheme of two slackers to force a young pizza delivery boy to rob a bank by strapping a bomb to him.

for the entire review, click the link below:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-30-minutes-or-less-2011-a-teen-focused-humorless-depravity

Wrong Turn 4 Bloody Beginnings: Bad to worse in a heartbeat

Rating:

**

By: Da'Mon Guy



If a movie even has some moderate level of success then movie lovers should expect a sequel. Sometimes however, the film doesn’t create enough of a following to get the big Hollywood treatment but it is profitable enough to spawn a direct to video addition to the franchise and more often than not, once it goes this route, it goes wrong. Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings (Unrated) is a begrudging, vomit-inducing, blood and guts gore fest. This catastrophe is a grotesque, mind-numbing calamity that is nothing more than outrageous induction of the usage of an insane amount of ridiculous violence and senseless. It is just the latest example of a good film that has spawned a series of bad direct to video sequels. The movie stars name Sean Skene (The Haunting in Connecuit), Dan Skene (The Lookout), Blaine Cyrpuda (New In Town), Jennifer Padavick (Love at First Kill), and Tenika Davis (Jumping The Broom).

Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings is gory and grotesque. The film tells the story of the origins of the trio of deformed, ravenous inhabitants of the woods of West Virginia. It really delves into the origin of the trio, explaining how and why they became what they are. That aspect is one of the few positives that this mind-numbing travesty has going for it.

For the full review, click the link below:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-wrong-turn-4-bloody-beginnings-bad-to-worse-a-heartbeat

Marvel Comics The Avengers: Great Action but Something is Missing

Rating:

****

By: Da'Mon Guy

     Marvel Comics The Avengers is the long overdue, creative culmination of Marvel comics stranglehold on the big screen that has been building up speed since the release of The X-men back in 2000. It’s the spectacular, blockbuster that movie lovers crave for. The film is an extraordinary, action-packed extravaganza that explosively kicks off the 2012 season. This exquisitely combines the talents of a great ensemble casts that features the likes of Robert Downey, Jr. (Iron Man 1&2), Chris Evans (Captain America: The First Avenger), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Samuel L. Jackson (Soul Brothers), Scarlett Johansson (Iron Man 2), Jeremy Renner (Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol), Mark Ruffalo (), Tom Huddleston (Thor), Stellan Skarsgard (Angels and Demons), Clark Gregg (Thor), and Gweneth Paltrow (Contagion). This highly anticipated feature that attempts to claim its place among the comic greats.

     Marvel Comics The Avengers is an enjoyable intersection of action and comedy. This big budget spectacle is a unique movie going experience because it is the first film of its nature to be comprised of a collection of high profile comic book stars. The Avengers is an imaginative convergence of the three storylines that were started in the films that lead up to this extravaganza. The Avengers does a great job at meshing many of the storylines that began in 2008’s Iron Man continued in the four additional films leading up to Avengers. It skillfully filters in multiple references from prior films (Thor, The Incredible Hulk, and Captain America: The First Avenger) that make this one feel like the pinnacle of those tales as opposed to just something thrown together.

To continue reading, click the link below:
http://www.examiner.com/review/movie-review-marvel-comics-the-avengers-great-action-but-something-is-missing

For additional reading on The Avengers, check this link:
http://www.examiner.com/article/2012-summer-movie-season-week-1-avengers-assemble

The Hunger Games: What's all the fuss?

Rating:

****

By: Da'Mon Guy     

With the Harry Potter films now a fond memory and The Twilight Saga down to its last film, Hollywood is looking for the next big phenomena amongst the teen/young adult target audience. The Hunger Games attempts to fill the void and become next big franchise to send would be teens into a frenzy. The Hunger Games is a thought-provoking, engaging testament to humanity. it’s a theme driven showcase for some of the best and the worst aspects of the humanity. The movie is comprised of an all star ensemble cast Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone), Josh Hutcherson (The Vampire’s Assistant), Elizabeth Banks (The Next Three Days), Woody Harrelson (Friends With Benefits), Wes Bentley (Jonah Hex), Donald Sutherland (The Mechanic 2011), Stanley Tucci (Easy A), Liam Hemsworth (The Last Song), and Amandla Stenberg (Colombiana).

     Hunger Games is a statement film. speaks about social class, the value of life, and the human spirit. It’s the story of a post apocalyptic world where society has crumbled and famine looms. Some teenagers (12-18) are picked through a lottery where they must compete in a series of televised life or death games as entertainment. The film is based on the first of a trio of books by Suzanne Collins and it was released in late 2008. Since then, the books have built a devout following. It has sold over a million copies of the book on e-books. The other two books in the series are Catching Fire and Mocking Jay.
To continue reading, click the link below:
http://www.examiner.com/review/movie-review-the-hunger-games-what-s-all-the-fuss

Wrath of the Titans: Great action with no substance

Rating:

**

By: Da'Mon Guy

     As if the 2010 Clash of the Titans didn’t ravage the 1983 film enough, the raping of that good movie persists as Wrath of the Titans completely expunges the good memory of that classic. Wrath of the Titans is a the latest lackluster happenstance to implements the use of great visual effects as subterfuge in an attempt to shift the focus from the shortcomings of a substandard, dreary tale. The film stars Sam Worthington (Man on a Ledge), Liam Neeson (The Grey), Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow pt. 2), Bill Nighy (Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End), Rosemund Pike (Clash of the Titans), Danny Houston (The Warrior‘s Way), Toby Kebbel (War Horse), John Bell (Battleship), and Edgar Ramiriez Arellano (Vantage Point).

     Wrath of the Titans is an action oriented, not so epic adventure as it’s the unnecessary, sequel to the 2010 film, Clash of the Titans, used 1983 film of the same name as a foundation for its creation. This film is a mangled, mismanaged narrative of the belief/perseverance of humanity as this tale tells of the demise of the great figures known as the gods of Greek mythology. It follows the current trend of many of the action tales that are based on Greek mythology, It’s heavy on action and is filled with great visual effects but it completely forgets that a story is supposed to be told in between the action of the film. This film continues to adopt the philosophy from the original film of man versus gods.

To continue reading, click the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/review/movie-review-wrath-of-the-titans-great-action-with-no-substance

Contraband (2012): A nefarious happenstance that makes bad guys cool

Rating:

***

By: Da'Mon Guy

     Movies can make even the most nefarious of lifestyles appealing. One of the great aspects of film, that it allows the audience to live vicariously though the experience. Some the greatest characters in Hollywood have made being the bad guy good. From Tony Montana (Scarface) to Frank White (King of New York) to Darth Vader (Star Wars), bad is the way to be. But there are certain films that come along and make being on the outside of the law the way to go. Films like The Italian Job, Ocean’s 11, and come out and then being a fugitive starts to look very appealing. Contraband falls in line as one of those films. Its one of those films that makes being a criminal cool. The film is comprised of a talented casts that features the likes of Mark Wahlberg (The Fighter), Kate Beckinsdale (Underworld: Awakening), Ben Foster (The Mechanic), and Giovanni Ribbissi (The Rum Diaries).

     Contraband is a intriguing, nefarious manifestation that entertainingly intertwines strong themes about loyalty & family with insightful glimpse into the world of smuggling. The film is a good heist story. Its an action thriller that is commingled with a powerful theme about love and family. The movie that harkens back to other classic stories of thievery. The film is very remindful of other movies of its nature like The Italian Job (2003) and The Score (2001). The movie is based on a Icelandic film named Reykjavik-Rotterdam that premiered internationally in (2008).

To continue reading, click the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-contraband-2012-a-nefarious-happenstance-that-makes-bad-guys-cool

Ironclad: A Mildly Entertaining Exhibition of Violence

Rating:

***

By; Da'Mon Guy

     There’s something about a good blood and guts movie. It’s a visual jolt of adrenaline for movie lovers. Motion picures like Braveheart, Gladiator, and 300 are instant classics that despite the violent nature of the film, the compelling stories coupled with the insane violence, endear themselves to movie fans. Ironclad is a violent, gory exhibition that is a bloody tale of right versus might. The film is based on the historical events that surrounded the events that followed after King John signed a treaty in the 13th century. The film tells of the untold efforts of the King to regain his tyrannical power over England. The movie stars James Puerfoy (John Carter), Paul Giamatti (Win Win), Bryan Cox (Red), Derek Jacobi (My Week with Marilyn), and Kate Mara (Iron Man 2).

     Ironclad is a brutal, ferocious direct to DVD action flick that premiered in early 2011. It tells the story of the courageous stand of a mismatched band of warriors who attempt to thwart the merciless army of King John as he attempts to regain his thrown. They defend the last stronghold in order to stave off his maniacal effort to regain his tyranny and his attempts to overrun a castle at Rochester.

To continue reading, click the link below:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-ironclad-2011-a-midly-entertaining-exhibition-of-violence

The Howling Reborn: A Dreadful Misuse of a Once Great Film

Rating:

**

By: Da'Mon Guy

     30 years after the debut of The Howling, this newest addition to focus on Lycanthropy and uses a cult classic as a starting point for a new generation of movie lovers. The Howling Reborn attempts to reintroduce a new generation of movie goers to the Howling legacy. The Howling Reborn is a less than stellar, dreadful pillage that attempts to capitalize on the never ending obsession with the supernatural. It stars Landon Libborn (Altitude), Lindsey Shaw (Devolved), and Ivan Milocevic (What's Your Number).

     The Howling Reborn is an uninspiring, dismal attempt to use an existing brand name to seduce movie lovers into to enduring this disastrous swindle of a horror film. A coming of age story that is interwoven with a the tale of the supernatural. The scare factor is nearly non existent. No real level of suspense.

To continue reading, click the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/dvd-review-the-howling-reborn-2011-a-dreadful-misuse-of-a-good-franchise

Drive: An Unusal Story of Love and Sacrifice

Rating:

***

By: Da'Mon Guy

     The days are long gone when you could walk into an action movie and you knew just what you were getting yourself into. A good shoot em’ up bang bang with a little story in between. Some of the action movies of today compel one to long for those days gone by as modern film making has adapted a slightly different approach to the delivery of the genre. The current trend in modern action films are to focus more on what makes the character tick as opposed to just the delivery of the characters deeds or how character does what they do best. This causes the films to have a deeper approach to the characters however in the same regard it causes a great deal of the action to be lost. Drive is the latest manifestation of the modern day morphing of the action gene. Drive is an intense, offbeat combination of drama and action that creatively uses cinematography in conjunction with a tender story to bring forth a unusual tale of love, sacrifice, and revenge. The film stars Ryan Gosling (Crazy Stupid Love), Carey Mulligan (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps), Ron Pearlman (Season of the Witch), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad: TV series), Christina Hendricks (I Don‘t Know How She Does It), Oscar Isaacs (Sucker Punch), and Albert Brooks (The In-Laws).

     Drive twists the usual action story with some heartwarming storytelling in an attempt to give a fresh perspective to filmmaking. It revolves around the story of a an unlikely bond that is formed by a trio of lonely individuals. Ryan Gosling stars as “Kid/Driver” (they never speak his real name) a talented stunt driver who doubles as a getaway driver. Based on the book by James Sillar.

To continue reading, click the link below:
http://www.examiner.com/review/drive-2011-an-unsual-tale-of-love-and-sacrafice

Real Steel: An Exceptional Merger of Sci-fi and Sport

Rating:

****

By: Da'Mon Guy





     There is something to be said about sports movies, they are an entity entirely different than most films. They possess a certain quality that gives them a little something extra that movie goers love. Whether its the little guy persevering over the titan, or the underdog that overcomes the odds, or the comeback story of a fallen hero, it all has a galvanizing affect on the audience. Real Steel is an entertaining, lightening rod of a film that will touch your heart and bring your feet. The film stars Hugh Jackman (Australia), Evangeline Lilly (The Hurt Locker), Dakota Goyo (Thor), Kevin Durand (I Am Number Four), and Anthony Mackie (The Adjustment Bureau).

     Real Steel is a highly entertaining, multifaceted spectacle that creatively merges the combination of science fiction, sport, and drama to create a touching, down to earth story that brings to life an enjoyable narrative about family. The film is based on the short screenplay by Richard Matheisson. Set in the not too distant future 2020. Robot boxing comes to life in this tale of a former down and out champion and estranged father who is united with his son through the common love of a sport. The two are drawn together by an untimely act of fate as a robot serves as a lightening rod to unite and inspire the two to discover a love that neither believed possible.

To continue reading, click the link below:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-real-steel-2011-an-exceptional-merger-of-sci-fi-sport

Tower Heist: An Underachieving Exploition of Talent

Rating:

**

By: Da'Mon Guy



     Filmmakers try to utilize any thing at their disposal to lure movie enthusiast to the theaters. Often, it’s the content of the film but more often than not its star power. Stars draw fans to movies. The right star can sell even the worst movies. Tower Heist is an example of how stars can seduce an eager movie fan. Tower Heist an underachieving, mundane misappropriation of talent. This disappointing mishap is a laymen’s version of Ocean’s Eleven that fails to capitalize on the talent of a pair of comedic greats, Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy. The tragedy is highlighted by an all-star cast featuring the likes of Ben Stiller (Little Fockers), Eddie Murphy (A Thousand Words), Alan Alda (Flash of Genius), Matthew Broderick (New Year's Eve), Casey Affleck (Gone Baby Gone), Judd Hirsch (A Beautiful Mind), Tea Leaoni (Ghost Town), Michael Pena (Battle: Los Angles) and Gabourey Sidbrie (Precious).

     Tower Heist is a lackluster, disappointing exploitation of star power. It’s a run of the mill attempt at humor that tells the story of a staff of hotel employees who attempt to steal the money of their former employer who embezzled them. The film premiered in late 2011. The movie revolves around the uninspiring battle of wits between Shaw (Alda) and Kovacks (Stiller).

To continue reading, click the link below:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-tower-heist-2011-an-underachieving-exploitation-of-talent

Killer Elite: An Action-Oriented Excursion into the 80's

Rating:

***

By: Da'Mon Guy

     In the modern era of filmmaking, one of the former staples of movie genres, the action movie gets a welcome addition. Despite the success of action movies, there aren’t many true action stars. Hollywood’s only true action star, Jason Statham continues to add to his impressive resume. Statham’s latest film, Killer Elite is an off beat combination of suspense and action. Its a multi-layered story that has a good level of entertainment. The movie stars Jason Statham (Blitz), Clive Owen (Trust), Robert DeNiro (Limitless), Dominic Purcell (Straw Dogs), Aden Young (The Tree), and Yvonne Strahovski (Matching Jack).

     Killer Elite is enjoyable, action oriented excursion into yesteryear. The movie is an entertaining, fact based tale of loyalty and friendship that is based on true events that were described in a book, The Feather Men by Sir Ranulph Fiennes that was released in 1991. The movie occurs in 1980-1981, 30 years ago sets the stage for an enjoyable action thriller that harkens back to great spy thrillers like The Package. The film has incorporates a number of elements such as conspiracy theories, the love story, and of course some first rate action to breathe life into this intriguing, larger than life spectacle.

To continue reading, click the link:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-killer-elite-2011-an-action-oriented-excursion-into-the-80-s

Contagion: The Reality of this Thriller Will Scare You

Rating:

***

By: Da'Mon Guy

     Contagion is a fear inducing, contemplative happenstance that creatively utilizes multiple perspectives to submerse its viewers into the experience of a viral outbreak. Its an gripping, tension filled attack on one anxieties that grants an insightful glimpse of fragile nature of the civilized world. The film is comprised of an all star casts that utilizes the talents of Hollywood A-listers such as Matt Damon (We Bought a Zoo), Jude Law (Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows), Gweneth Paltrow (Country Strong), Kate Winslet (Carnage), Laurence Fishburne (Predators), Sanaa Lathann (The Family That Preys), and Marion Cotillard (Inception).

     Contagion is an emotional, thought-provoking testament of the human condition. It is a fantastic example that aptly illustrates how fragile society is. It appropriately exhibits how easily civil unrest can be induced through fear, panic, and hysteria. It’s a multifaceted, tale of the human condition that questions morality as well as one’s humanity.

For the full review, click the link below:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-contagion-2011-the-reality-of-this-thriller-will-scare-you-stiff

Straw Dogs (2011): Another Lackluster Remake

Rating:

***

By: Da'Mon Guy

     There really should be a quota set on the amount of remakes that can be made in a year or over a certain time frame. The insane number of remakes that come out in modern movie making is becoming sickening. Why is it that the unmitigated effort of Hollywood to remake every film that is so unrelenting. Straw Dogs is one of the latest films to get an updating. This new version retells the story that was brought to life some 30 yrs ago. Straw Dogs is taut, theme driven drama that aptly shows the gambit of human emotions that can drive one to incomprehensible lengths. it’s a film that shows what can happen when someone is pushed to the brink of their limits. The film stars James Marsden (Hop), Kate Bosworth (The Warrior’s Way), Alexander Skarskgard (13), Laz Alonzo (Jumping The Broom), Dominic Purcell (Blade: Trinity), and James Woods (Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths).

     Straw Dogs tension filled, remake of a 1971 film of the same name. The original film starred Dustin Hoffman and . it’s a uneasy, tense tale that explores the lengths that sex, desire, and jealousy can motivate the tension/envy. it’s a story that showcases how those negative emotions can inspire jealousy as well as intolerant discrimination between social classes.

For the full review, click the link:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-straw-dogs-2011-another-lackluster-remake



Mr. Popper's Penguins: A Feel Good Movie with a lot of heart

Rating:

****

By: Da'Mon Guy

There are so many films that showcase negativity or killing or some disturbing series of images but every once in a while there’s a movie that just have that warm feeling that makes you feel good about life. Mr. Popper’s Penguins is an energetic, theme driven happenstance that showcases the strength of family. It’s a wondrous film that uses a humorous perspective to redefine the term family. The movie stars Jim Carey (Phillip Morris, I Love You), Carla Guino (Faster), Angela Lansbury (Nanny McPhee), Ophelia Lovibond (No Strings Attached), Clark Gregg (Thor), Madeline Carroll (Flipped), and Maxwell Perry Cotton (Like Dandilion Dust).

Mr. Poppers Penguins is a spirited, heartfelt film that tells the story of a Funny infestation of penguins that reminds us all of the kid in all of us. It is a perfect merger of comedy and drama. The movie is a very enjoyable family friendly tale that invokes a bit of nostalgia. Its very reminiscent of classic family tales like 101 Dalmatians and Lassie.

For the full review, click the link:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-mr-popper-s-penguins-2011-a-feel-good-film-with-lots-of-heart

Justice League: Doom: A creative reinvention of the 1970's Superfriends

Rating:

****

 By: Da'Mon Guy

     Justice League: Doom is a dynamic, invigorating adventure that strikes the heroic members of the Justice League of America (JLA) at their core and challenges each of their resolve. This is the newest animated feature from DC Comics that uses the 1970’s version of the Justice League known as the Superfriends as a basis for this new entertaining tale. “Doom” is a creative reinvention of one of the more beloved incarnations of DC comics super team. This animated feature is composed of an all star voice cast, many of whom have appeared in other DC animated movies such as Nathan Fillion (Green Latern: Emerald Knights), Tim Daly (Superman/Shazam), Kevin Conroy (Batman: Gotham Knight), Phil Morris (Smallville: TV series), Susan Eisenburg (Superman/Batman Apocalypse), Michael Rosenbuam (Smallville: TV series), Nathan Fillion (Green Lantern: Emerald Knights), and Carl Lumbly (Batman: The Brave and the Bold: TV series).

     Justice League: Doom is an adult themed, intense convergence of a number of stories that have made use of the DC comics super team, The Justice League of America (JLA). This is a remarkable story that manages to use filter in many concepts that were addressed in other stories such as The Watchmen, JLA: Tower of Babel, and the Omac conspiracy. The film is about the use/abuse of power. it’s a fiction based story that extends far beyond the concept of just fiction. The theme of this film is far greater than just the usual good vs. evil or good overcomes evil. This is more of a film that questions the nature of power and who holds domain of the appropriation of it.

For the full review, click the link below:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-justice-league-doom-a-creative-reinvention-of-the-70-s-superfriends


Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths: Don't Miss It!

Rating:

****

By: Da'Mon Guy

     DC Comics is clearly the better of the two comic book giants when it comes to releasing animated feature films. DC Comics animated studios has produced a number of direct to video features that highlight today’s modern mythological marvels who grace the pages of their comics. In recent years, they have turned out a number of great animated features that nearly make up for the lack of success on the big screen. While they may not be able to match Marvel’s big screen success, DC Comics is unmatched in their delivery of great animated features. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is no different. This film is an action packed, dazzling showcase that creatively commingles a high level of realism with an entertaining sci-fi premise to breathe life into an animated adventure that is comprised of DC comics super team of heroes, The Justice League. The movie is an enjoyable variation that manages to intermingle elements of life, death and sacrifice into one of the tales of the Justice League. The film stars Mark Harmon (NCIS: TV series), James Woods (Straw Dogs 2011), James Patrick Stewart (Batman: Year One), William Baldwin (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Gina Torres (The Matrix Reloaded), Brian Bloom (The A-Team 2010), Chris Noth (Sex and the City 1&2), and Vanessa Marshall (Dante‘s Inferno: The Animated Epic).

     Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is an adult themed animated feature that infuses a fantastic tale of science fiction with the fabled Justice League of America to bring forth a unique tale of heroism and realism. The film premiered in the early part of 2010. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths unites the DC comics greatest heroes for an out of this world adventure that surpasses the reaches of the imagination.


For the full review, Click the link:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-justice-league-crisis-on-two-earths-2010-don-t-miss-it