All Star Superman: " A Terrific Story of Sacrifice"



Rating:

****

By: Da’Mon Guy

     All Star Superman is an enjoyable continuance in the surging modern day usage of the comic book genre. This stirring animated tale features the Man of Steel is easily one of the best uses of the character to date. The film is composed of an all star voice that features James Denton (Tortured), Christina Hendricks (Life as We Know It), Anthony Laplagia (Winter Solstice), Ed Asner (Up), Arnold Vosolo (The Mummy trilogy) and Francis Conroy (Stone).



     As a result of rescuing a spaceship before it crashes into the sun, Superman overloads his blood cells causing them to decay. He is soon made aware of his impending death. Before his imminent demise, Superman is forced to reevaluate his life and address issues that he has put on hold in order to maintain his dual persona.

     All Star Superman is the latest animated feature from DC comics direct. It is based on the DC Comics mini series that was released in 2005. It was a twelve-issue comic book series of the same name that featured Superman that ran from November 2005 to October 2008. The series was written by Grant Morrison. It is one of the better stories that utilizes one of DC Comics flagship characters. This latest iteration is easily the best animated use of the Man of Steel. This enlightening perspective is possibly the fourth best live action story to feature the character, only being surpassed by Superman 1&2 and rivaling the last motion picture use of the character, Superman Returns.

     This animated fable is an exquisite addition to the on going use of one of our modern day icons. It’s a captivating tale that aptly showcases the best of the characteristics that surrounds the mythos of Superman as this touching story unfolds. This particular narrative gives us a delightful, humanizing glimpse into the larger than life comic icon. All Star Superman humanizes the character in a way that is both intimate and enlightening. It is possibly the most touching version of Superman to date. The film incorporates many of the aspects that have endeared our culture to this character which make him iconic. All Star Superman ingeniously displays the outstanding character traits such as his strong sense of justice and unwavering sense of morality that defines the character.

     Conversely, the aspect that separates this version from prior incarnations is that it also delves more into the human side of Superman. This particular yarn unveils a side to the defining of this character that is not often focused upon. This incarnation displays his Fortress of Solitude in a new light. Within the fortress, Superman’s more human aspects are revealed. His desire for “hobbies” and pets are exposed as never before. The film also shows the classic portrayal of the bumbling, clumsy Clark Kent. It displays the great lengths that Superman undertakes in order to maintain his secret identity. The classic awkward often ungraceful Clark is on full display but with a slight twist.

     All Star Superman addresses the two dynamic relationships that have endeared Superman to the American culture. It focuses on the two relationships that are synonymous with the story of Superman, Lois Lane and Lex Luthor. Superman finally admits his dual identity as well as his undying love for Lois Lane. This revealing expose also offers an enlightening perspective into the character of Lex Luthor as well. The film stylishly displays the hated obsession that he has for Superman. It discloses the true reason for the Luthor’s hatred of Superman. This is a topic that hasn’t been uncovered in this depth in a motion picture adaptation. All Star Superman is one of the few venues that exhibits the interaction between Lex Luthor and Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent. It shows that level of respect that Luthor has for Kent.

     The film’s only detractor is that it furthers the obsession with killing the heroic icon. All Star Superman is a look into the final days of the man of Steel. This is the second animated adaptation to kill the Man of Steel. In more recent years, some of fans have a problem with the magnitude of Superman’s abilities. Voicing their displeasure that he isn’t grounded enough in reality like some of the other comic book character like Marvel comics’ X-Men. In accordance with trying to satisfy a particular fan base, DC comics has scaled back some of Superman’s power. Even attempting to kill him in order to reinvent him as a less powerful individual. All Star Superman sadly supports that notion. In spite of the excellent story, All Star Superman satisfies the “Haters” and kills Superman in the end with a noble, heroic demise.

     All Star Superman is one of DC comics direct best animated features to date. It rivals DC comics Batman: Under the Red Hood as their best film. This particular representation of the Man of Steel incorporates aspects from every live action incarnation of Superman. From the George Reeves black and white tv show to Superman (Christoper Reeve) to Smallville and everything in between. The film will appeal to both hard core and casual fans. The movie is a must see for any one who has ever heard of the character. Watch it and enjoy.

Unknown: "An Engaging Tale of Subterfuge"



Rating:

****

By: Da’Mon Guy

     Unknown is an entertaining, intriguing tale of subterfuge that eloquently blurs the details of the story in order to keep the audience in suspense until its climax. The movie stars Liam Neeson (The A-Team), Diane Kruger (Inglorious Bastards), January Jones (We Are Marshall), Frank Langella (The Box), and Bruno Ganz (The Reader).

     After awaking from a coma after a near death accident, a man discovers that someone has stolen his identity. In a furious attempt to regain his life he soon discovers that everything is not what it appears to be.

     Unknown is an entertaining, engaging tale of deception in the mold of the Bourne Identity that will keep you guessing up to the final minute. The story features an impressive twist of events that submerges the audience into the deception of the story. The events of the story are delicately revealed in order to maintain a veil of suspense so that the audience is keep in suspense for the majority of the film. The film gives you clues to help solve the dilemma through out as it immerses its audience into the mystery. This was an excellent plot element that gives the movie an almost interactive feel.

     The director of Unknown, Juame Collet-Serra, makes some great choices to create this story of trickery. The use of the camera is one of them. The camera is used exquisitely to highlight the story. Early in the film as Martin comes out of his coma, many of the scenes begin blurry and are out of focus. This immerses the audience in the story and accentuates the feeling of disorientation that Martin feels as a result of his coma. The second is the subtle implementation of flashbacks that are used throughout the film. The flashbacks gives the audience clues as to the Harris’s history but they are also pieces of the puzzle that help with the interactive feel of the film. The action of the story is enjoyable as well. The car chase scene was one of the better ones in some time. Liam Neeson adds an admirable performance as Martin Harris. His depiction of the amnesiac Harris carries the film. Neeson’s portrayal is both believable and entertaining.

     There are only a couple of detractors to this entertaining suspense tale. First is the pace. Some points of it move very slow, almost tediously as it tries to maintain the veil of suspense that it intricately builds. In attempting to maintain the deception that it creates, the middle of the movie seems to drag. The second major detractor is the completely unfair comparisons that it draws to “Taken” and the “Bourne Trilogy.” Unknown is neither of the two, it is more suspense than either of them. It does contain elements of both that are filtered into it. It does have the search for an identity and the spy feel like the Bourne trilogy but the comparisons to those movies end there. The film has considerably less action than any of the Bourne films as this is geared more towards the suspense than any of the three Bourne films. It contains even less of a similarity to “Taken” as the only comparisons to that film is the fact that Liam Neeson is in it and that it takes place oversees. Unknown is a tale of suspense and deception. The film is more of a spy mystery with elements of action filtered in. Both of those films are more action oriented.

     Unknown is a good film. The film is a first rate tale of suspense that is interwoven with action to bring an enjoyable spy thriller. The film creates a good whodunit that contains a surprise twist that increases the entertainment value of it. Unknown makes for a good way to spend your hard earned money. Go see it and enjoy

The Company Men: "An Underachieving Collection of Talent that Showcases What Happens when Life Throws a Curve Ball"

Rating:

***

By: Da’Mon Guy

     The Company Men is a moderately entertaining yet touching, performance driven drama that focuses on the life of some of the employees of a major company that try to adjust after losing their jobs because of corporate cut backs. The film features an all star casts such as Ben Affleck (The Town), Tommy Lee Jones (Men In Black 1&2), Chris Cooper (The Town), Kevin Costner (Mr. Brooks), Maria Bello (Grown Ups), Craig T. Nelson (The Proposal), and Rosemaire DeWitt (Rachel Getting Married).

     When the GTX Corporation must cut jobs to improve the company's balance sheet during the 2010 recession, thousands of employees will take the hit, like Bobby Walker (Ben Affleck). Bobby learns the real life consequences of not having a job. Not only does he see a change to his family lifestyle, and the loss of his home, but also his feelings of self-worth.(Imdb.com)

     The Company Men is a star studded collaboration that duly details the struggles of adjusting when life throws a curve ball. The movie is a that story centers on a year in the life of three men struggling to preserve their way of life after a round of corporate downsizing at a major company, GTX. The film illustrates how the loss brings change and how it affects them, their families, and their communities.

     The movie is a good collection of talent that isn’t used effectively making the end result nothing spectacular. However, the film is one of the more “real” movies that you will seen as this is a movie about life. It appropriately depicts how dependant that many people become on their careers and how some jobs can define someone. The movie uses three different men at different points in their respective careers and lives as a vehicle to express the trials and tribulations of family as well as attempting to re-entering the job hunt after being entrenched in one job for an extended length of time.

     The film deals with a number of issues that victims of corporate cutbacks are faced with. The film terrifically addresses a number of issues such as self doubt, self worth, suicide, the burden of responsibility to ones family, sacrifice, obsession with materialistic possessions, and most importantly, the value of family. This is the better films that is thematically driven.

     The Company Men is stockpiled with a number of great Hollywood talent but it falls short in terms of entertainment. While the movie is true to life and illicitly depicts the struggles that can occur, the movie doesn’t wow you or impose its will upon the audience. In spite of the collection of talent that it possesses, it really only contains one commendable performance. Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Costner, and Chris Cooper all give nothing more than a mediocre showing with Ben Affleck as the lone standout of the talented quartet. Affleck continues to return to the acting form of his earlier years in Hollywood. He provides a good performance as Ben Walker. Affleck’s portrayal is very convincing as he impressively conveys the multitude of emotional highs and lows that his character undergoes as he loses many of the material possessions afforded to him. Kevin Costner is enjoyable in his limited time as Jack Dolan, Walker’s brother in law, who bears the voice of the working class man. Dolan consistently heckles Walker as he resents Walker’s corporate standing.

     The Company Men is simply an informative look at the recent financial disaster. The movie doesn’t wow you but it is a moderately entertaining film that will hold your interest for the duration of it. Despite being stockpiled with a number of talented actors this movie fall short in entertainment value. I would consider it a slight disappointment based upon the stockpile of talented actors that it has but it’s a good watch to pass the time. The movie moves a at a very slow pace so don't watch it too late. Don’t expect anything great but you can still find a level of enjoyment as you view this.

Red: "An Entertaining Collaboration of Hollywood Greats"





Rating:

***½

By: Da’Mon Guy

     What do you do when you need a good action star in the modern age of limited action movie stars? You cast one of the greatest action stars of all time, Bruce Willis (The Expendables). Then you add assemble a talented cast of Hollywood greats such as Morgan Freeman (The Bucket List), Helen Mirren (State of Play), John Malkovich (Jonah Hex). The result is RED. The film is an entertaining, terrific intermingling of action and comedy. This enjoyable merger is an action packed, jocular approach to the spy genre. The film also features Mary Louise-Parker (The Spiderwick Chronicles), Karl Urban (Star Trek) with Brian Cox (Zodiac), Richard Dreyfuess (Poseidon) and Ernest Borgnine (Strange Wilderness).

     When a retired, former CIA covert operative is tagged RED (Retired Extremely Dangerous) then targeted termination, he foils the first attempt and then he decides to recruit other RED operatives to discover the source of the attempts and in the process he uncovers and must stop a conspiracy.

     RED (Retired Extremely Dangerous) is the perfect commingling of action and comedy. The movie takes an extremely lighthearted approach to the spy genre. The film is loosely based on a DC comics comic book by the same name written by Warren Ellis and illustrated by Cully Hamner. It was originally published by Homage Comics (an imprint of WildStorm) as a three-issues series between 2003 and 2004. It was later collected into a single trade paperback that includes both RED and Tokyo Storm Warning, another comic penned by Ellis. The film has an outrageous nature that makes some of the action seem preposterous. however, it is terrifically enjoyable as some of the action would seem ridiculous if the movie was firmly grounded in reality but coupled with the humorous nature of the movie, the outrageous action sequences aptly compliment the jocular theme. RED is highlighted by a number of action sequences that are extremely impressive.

     The entire cast of RED has terrific chemistry that increases the enjoyment of this witty collaborative endeavor. Bruce Willis makes an entertaining return to the action genre with his portrayal of Frank Moses. Willis never misses a beat as he returns to the type of character that he is most known for. The witty tough guy with the perfect punch line. Willis portrays the dual sided nature of Frank Moses exquisitely as the reluctant, unsure love struck civilian was a terrific contrast to the confident killer who lies dormant. Willis is joined by a cast of aging Hollywood greats, who all add to the Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, and Dreyfuss all showcase their acting ability to breathe life into RED. John Malkovic and Helen Miren steal the film with their portrayals of Marvin Boogs and Victoria. Malkovich as the paranoid Boogs is one of his more entertaining characters and easily the most enjoyable of the movie. Boogs’s constant episodes of paranoia are some of the best comedic aspects of the film. Helen Mirren is also a scene stealer in her depiction of Victoria, the witty dead eye sniper, is extremely charming. In addition to our group of protagonists, Karl Urban and Richard Dreyfuss add to list of enjoyable performances within this crazed farce. In addition, Ernest Borgnine makes a welcomed cameo.

     In addition to the obvious action and comedic premise, RED has a sweet love story deeply embedded in the subterfuge of the two. The story has two love stories that are the foundation of the film. Both are somewhat forbidden in nature but both are equally enjoyable. The budding romance between Moses (Willis) and Sarah Ross (Louise-Parker) is the foundation of the film. The forbidden romance between Victoria and Ivan Simanoff (Cox) was a surprising treat.

     RED is one of the more entertaining movies that you can see. The movie has a high level of enjoyment on a number of levels. The action and comedy are terrifically mixed and well timed. This is a feel good action movie. In the movie RED stands for (Retired Extremely Dangerous) however, it should stand for (Ridiculously Enjoyable Debauchery). You should sit back and enjoy the fun of RED, you won’t be disappointed.

Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole: An Enjoyable, Theme Driven Visual Marvel for All Ages"

Rating

****

By: Da’Mon Guy

     Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole is an delightful, theme driven showcase that implements some impressive visual imagery to effectively breathe life into a narrative that first appeared in the form of a best selling series of children’s books. The film is a theme driven, enjoyable personification of owls. The movie is a great collaborative effort of Hollywood talent that unite to give the owls life. It features the likes of Jim Sturgess (21), Sam Neil (Daybreakers), Helen Mirren (RED), Geoffrey Rush (Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy), Hugo Weaving (The Matrix Trilogy), Anthony Laplagia (All Star Superman), Richard Boxborough (Sanctum), Emily Barclay (Love Birds), Ryan Kwaten (Dead Silence), and Miriam Maragoyles (Happy Feet). The movie is directed by Zach Snyder (300, Watchmen, & Sucker Punch).

    Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole is a touching, universally appealing story that is commingled with great visuals that transform this into an enjoyable theme driven showcase. The movie is based upon the series of children’s books written by Kathryn Lansky. This mythological story centers on dreamer Soren (Jim Sturgess), a young owl enamored with stories of "The Guardians", a clan of warrior owls who hail from the Tree of Ga'Hoole, and protect the weak from an evil army called the Pure Ones. When Soren and his brother, Kludd (Ryan Kwanten), are kidnapped by these Pure Ones, the stories become reality. Soren escapes and hunts for the Guardians to save the owl kingdom from the Pure Ones, while Kludd slowly becomes one. (Imdb.com)

   Legends of the Guardians is an exceptional film as it is embedded with a number of themes that is the driving force of this visual marvel. Not only does it intertwine the overriding ideal of right and wrong but this film speaks volumes about family, courage, prejudice, friendship, loyalty and more than anything the belief in one’s self and an ideal.

     The movie embraces the ideal of the belief in an ideal that is larger than one’s self. It also encourages one to follow your dreams. The movie’s visuals wow you from the outset but as the story unfolds the thematic nature of the tale slowly begins to grab hold of you. Each ideal is intricately embedded within the seemingly light hearted nature of the movie. First, the importance of family, then the ideal of standing of for those who cannot fight for themselves, then friendship and so on. The movie cleverly places them in plain sight but uses an entertaining facade to present these messages.

     Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole isn’t your usual kid friendly story. The film has a seriousness to that is very appealing. Unlike many of the other animated kids features that attempt to appeal to adults, Legends of the Guardians doesn’t evoke humor to keep the adults engaged. This particular kids story has a more serious tone, almost resembling a drama. It is has a very serious tone as it handles the subject matter. The movie is terrifically enjoyable as it interweaves the powerful themes that it has embedded within this tale of fantasy.

     This a wonderfully enjoyable film for kids and adults alike. The visuals imagery of the film is the first thing to grab a hold of you, however, it isn’t the best aspect of the movie. The movie is a magnificent showcase for what a fairy tale truly is or was at one point. This is a journey into fantasy that children of all ages can enjoy. The movie moves a at a terrific pace to keep the kids occupied and the story is engaging enough to entertain adults. A clever flight of the imagination that all should bear witness to.

Vanishing on 7th Street: "A Deplorable, Perplexing Calamity that Frustrates & Needs to Vanish"



Rating:

**

By: Da’Mon Guy

      Vanishing on 7^th Street is a dismal, befuddling calamity that becomes increasingly more frustrating the longer you watch it. This tragic raping of your time unsuccessfully attempts to masks itself as a horror film. The proprietors of this baffling debacle are Hayden Christensen (Takers), Thandie Newton (2012), John Leguzamo (Gamer), and Jacob Latimore.

      When a massive power outage plunges the city of Detroit into total darkness, a disparate group of individuals find themselves alone. The entire city's population has vanished into thin air, leaving behind heaps of empty clothing, abandoned cars and lengthening shadows. Soon the daylight begins to disappear completely, and as the survivors gather in an abandoned tavern, they realize the darkness is out to get them, and only their rapidly diminishing light sources can keep them safe. (Imdb.com)

     There are a number of shortcomings of this perplexing tale of suspense, however, the biggest problem with Vanishing on 7^th Street is the film offers no clear reason why anything in this appalling travesty occurs, other than that it does. It begins with a power outage. Everything goes dark and when the lights come back on, nearly everyone has vanished, leaving only their clothes in their place. This event is worldwide, causing nearly everyone to disappear. The film never gives any valid justification for the occurrence. After the initial disappearance, some “demon like” spirits in the dark are shown to be responsible and if you don’t have a source of light then you vanish. The story is quickly progressed 72 hours where the four central characters are suddenly thrown together. Everything in the film just happens. People vanish, the darkness begins to consume everything even making the days shorter, the power drain even extends to things that power light sources like batteries, and the list goes on. The darkness that is consuming everything is filled with shadows and voices. The “darkness” or “shadows” supposedly has some since of intelligence as it can produce light and confuse the would be victims so that you leave your light, enabling it to envelope you. This film is just a ambiguous wreck that doesn’t garner the time it takes to watch it not the energy you waste trying to figure it out.

     The second setback of this boorish atrocity is the manner in which each of the characters are introduced. The characters in the film are just thrown into the story. Each of the four characters just pop into the story. This baffling debacle does try to piece together some background on each of them after they all meet but by then its way too late as the film has exchanged any level of interest for a level of exasperation.

     The film’s inadequacies are not because of the actors efforts. Hayden Christensen, Thadie Newton, John Leguzamo, and Jacob Latimore all do their best to breathe some life into this perplexing misfortune but it’s the shortcomings of the script and not their performances that make this a deplorable, frustrating travesty. The characters motivated by searching for a loved one which adds to the ease of the deception of the attempts made by the "shadows" to persuade them to come out of the light.

     Vanishing on 7^th Street has one lone redeeming quality. This mind numbing farce does a good job to establish a state of suspense but it’s mishandling of the story does nothing to use the level of anticipation and tension that it stirs. The opening of the film does a decent effort in raising the amount of tension. It creates an effective level of suspense but quickly hurries through the details of the story to what is supposed some scene where it tries to induce a level of horror. The scenes never work because the level of confusion that it has caused is too great to allow your mind to be scared. Some of the more suspenseful scenes were effective but the lack of clarity with the story causes them to lose entertainment value.

    Vanishing on 7^th Street is easily one of the most unfulfilling films of 2011. This absurdity is a confusing, pointless charade that is too ambiguous then completely misuses the actors. This is a perplexing tale of suspense with no satisfaction and very little redeeming qualities that warrant its viewing and production. The film's climax was even more perplexing and absurd than the anti-climatic ending. No aspect of this movie offers the viewer any satisfaction. The film is supposed to be a horror/suspense film but it does very little to scare the audience. The only thing scary about this tragedy is the fact that it lasts as long as it did.

The Fighter: "An Engaging Story of Truimph"





Rating:

****

By: Da’Mon Guy

     The Fighter is an engaging, performance driven biopic that depicts a portion of the life of World Light Welterweight champion, “Irish” Mickey Ward. The film is about boxing on the surface but deeply intertwined in the love of this brutal sport is a brotherly bond that is interconnected by a passion for the sport. The film is a testament about love, perseverance, and the loyalty to one’s family. The movie stars Mark Wahlberg, (The Other Guys), Christian Bale, (The Dark Knight), Amy Adams (Doubt), Melissa Leo (Everybody‘s Fine), Mickey O’Keefe, and Jack McGee (21).

     A boxer in the twilight of his boxing career overcomes the various setbacks and distractions from his uncivil family to find love and a level of success. As Mickey has begun his boxing career, he is heavily influenced by a dysfunctional family that glorifies Dickey’s singular moment to glory and burdens Mickey with the guilt of growing up in his brother’s shadow.

     The Fighter is a absorbing testament of love, courage, and determination. This is an engaging showcase that focuses on a the love of a uncharacteristic brotherly bond. The film is a biopic set in the mid 1980’s that is based on the rise to stardom within the ranks of boxing by “Irish” Mickey Ward. Ward was the younger brother to another boxer, Dick “Dickey” Eklund. The Fighter isn’t really a sports film. Boxing serves as a backdrop to the relationship between brothers that grew closer because of a common love of the sport. The film’s boxing sequences are only minimally displayed as this part of Mickey Ward’s life isn’t the focus of the film. The film focuses on the turbulent but enduring relationship between Ward and the man with whom he idolized for much of his life, his brother, Dickey. Dick “Dickey“ Eklund, a man from a small town in Mass., became a success when he shared a boxing match with Sugar Ray Leonard. Going toe to toe with a boxing great was the highlight of Dickey’s life but he is now reduced to constantly replaying the glory of that moment in his head. Shifting the focus of the film from the boxing aspect to the relationship between the brothers allows this film to standout from the overused rags to riches story. This give the movie more substance and allows us to sympathize more with the characters as opposed to this being just another sports film.

     This touching gaze into Ward’s life is comprised of a number of impressive performances. Nearly every role in the film is portrayed well. These first-rate performances are headlined by Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale. Bale, however, is the star of the film as his performance of Dickey Eklund is easily the best of his career. Bale’s masterful, scene stealing portrayal of Eklund is nothing short of Oscar worthy. He portrays the former boxer turned crack addict with a exquisite touch. Simultaneously, allowing the audience a multitude of feelings toward the performance. Bale steals the show from the opening credits and never slows down. He energizes the film, turning this from an average biopic into a unforgettable, enjoyable experience. Wahlberg’s performance is equally entertaining as well. It is just overshadowed by the stunning performance of Bale. Wahlberg’s depiction of Mickey Ward is a convincing treat. Wahlberg’s performance is the opposite of Bale as his is done more with body language and subtlety. Amy Adams and Melissa Leo both give some of their best performances to date. Adams as the strong willed girlfriend and Leo as Ward's overbearing mother. Both give commendable performances to bring this to life.

     The Fighter allows us an enlightening glance into the life of Mickey Ward. The movie does a terrific job at illustrating the various obstacles that Ward overcame on his way to stardom. The film aptly displays the turbulent trials of family and life that Ward rose above to become the champ. The movie is filled with emotion spurring moments as we bear witness to the chaos that surrounded Mickey Ward's rise.  Christian Bale's performance is truly not to be missed as this is easily one of the better films of 2010. This is an inspiring tale that incites as well as entertains.


　
　

Toy Story: " An Emotional, Heartwarming Addition that is Easily the Best Movie of 2010"

Rating:

*****

By: Da’Mon Guy

     Toy Story 3 is an extremely entertaining, heartwarming, stellar animated feature that continues the wonderful adventures of Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toys. This latest iteration stresses the bonds of family while humorously highlighting the progression of life. This is the third addition to the lovable franchise of films by the collaborative efforts of Disney/ Pixar. This latest emotional journey features most of the returning actors that have added their voices to bring these characters to life. Tom Hanks (Angels & Demons), Tim Allen (Wild Hogs), Joan Cusak (My Sister‘s Keeper), Don Rickles (Toy Story 2), John Ratezberger (Up), Estelle Harris (The Grand), Wallace Shawn (Furry Vengeance), Jodi Benson (Enchanted) and John Morris (Toy Story 1,2, &3) all resume their recurring roles. The film also adds some new voices such as Michael Keaton (The Other Guys) and Ned Beatty (Shooter).

     Toy Story 3 is the enjoyable, heartfelt continuing adventure of Woody (Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Allen) and the rest of the toys that are owned by a Andy. The franchise returns to the big screen after an 11 year absence. This latest iteration shows the progression of the age of Andy, the toys owner. Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toys feel unwanted and unloved as Andy has progressed to the point where he has outgrown them. Now a teen about to enter college, the toys question if they will have a place in his life as they have only become an afterthought.

     This tear jerking tale features is as good as movie’s get. It as a fine addition to the two great prior films in the series. This one aptly details all of the characters progression since the initial story was introduced many years ago. The film shows the growth of Woody and Buzz’s friendship during the course of the series. This newest addition to the franchise continues to focuses on what made these films great initially while building on the fantastic foundation that was laid by the two prior films.

     Toy Story 3 is an entertaining masterpiece as it institutes a multitude of warm underlying themes that are disguised masterfully within the comedy and the appearance of a mere children’s cartoon. The film’s is unquestionably about family and friendship. Each of the Toy Story films have always been. It addresses positive as well as negative themes. The film addresses issues such as abandonment and solidarity. On the more positive aspect, this one is more about progression and how love, loyalty and family must endure all things.

     The dynamic magic of the first two films continues in Toy Story 3 despite an11 year absence. The cast has a magic that is uncanny over the course of a trilogy but has maintained it throughout. Toy Story 3 returns most of the cast from the prior two movies and never misses a beat. All of the are as good if not better than the first two. This is highlighted by the duo of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen. Hanks (Woody) and Allen’s (Buzz) chemistry are at the core of the franchise and is better than ever. The two set the bar for the franchise that continues to entertain. Nearly all of the cast from the prior two films return to this emotional experience. Michael Keaton (Ken) and Ned Beatty (Lotso) add some great voice performances to this third iteration to add to an already stellar cast.

     I love the first two Toy Story films, I really do. And Toy Story 3 has found its way into a place into my heart right next to the first two films. This one may be the most emotionally stirring of the three. The series of films are some of the most emotionally evoking films that you’ll see. Each one of them induces a different type of emotion. The first made you cheer as Buzz‘s saved Woody “This isn‘t flying,” “This is falling with style.”, 2 made you happy as Woody and Buzz welcomed Jesse and Bullseye and this one will bring you to tears of joy. The film will bring you to tears as Andy says good bye to Woody, Buzz and the rest of the Toy Story family of toys. When Andy gives a heartfelt explanation of his affinity for each of his make believe friends you will literally get choked up. The films are about feeling good and a celebration of childhood. These are more than just animated features, they are transcended stories that are universally appealing. Toy Story 3 should have won the best picture of the year academy award as it is a must see film for one and all.

The Lovely Bones: "An Emotionally Charged Testament of Love"

Rating:

***

By: Da’Mon Guy

     The Lovely Bones is a tragic, emotionally charged expose that delicately pears into the afterlife. The film is a visual delight that revolves around the senseless murder of a 14-year-old girl. The movie stars Saoirse Ronan (Atonement), Mark Wahlberg (The Fighter), Rachel Weisz (Constantine), Stanley Tucci (Easy A), Susan Sarandon (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps), Rose McIver, Michael Imperoli (My Baby‘s Daddy), and Reece Ritchie (Prince of Persia: the Sands of Time).

     After a young girl is murder, the movie focuses on the effects of her death on her family and the man who killed her as she watches them all from the afterlife.

     The Lovely Bones is an engaging, tragic but muddled story of love. This is a powerful portrayal of a family’s struggle to continue while dealing with the loss of a love one. The film was released in 2009 and is based upon a book written in 2002 by Alice Sebold. This beautifully depressing tale centers on a young girl’s murder and the effects of the loss on everyone around her. She then chooses to watch over all of the central figures in her life including the man who murder her from the afterlife.

      The film delicately handles this tragic subject with a great deal of tact as much of the brutality of this horrible act is unseen. The film provides the audience more than enough to stir multiple charged emotional responses throughout the course of the film. The Lovely Bones is not a murder mystery. It is an interesting look at death, afterlife, and how it affects loved ones. Use enduring the loss

      The Lovely Bones is a really unique story that is slightly mishandled in its delivery as a movie. It is filled with a number of unsatisfying aspects. The film is all about emotion. In particular, Susie (Ronan). The emotional aspects of the film are more less conveyed though the subject matter and through the performance of the actors. The movie does an adaquate job at establishing a relationship between Susie and her father. The film establishes the bond between Susie and her father but it mismanges the connection between her and the other members of her family. The movie shows the level of connectivity that Susie shares with her family. We never really understand the end of the film as Susie's relationship with her mother isn't clearly defined. Most of the more powerful moments are mishandled leaving us without a sense of satisfaction.

     The film is a visual masterpiece filled with terrific imagery. The movie representation of the afterlife is one of the better points of the film. Susie’s time in the plane of existence between heaven and Earth is displayed marvelously. The colors and vivid, bright and enchanting as her time there is used to convey the large gambit of emotions that she is dealing with after her murder. The film uses all kinds of imagery to display the her time here.

     The visuals however great they may be don’t hide the fact that this part of the movie is slightly hard to follow. Susie’s time in the afterlife before Heaven is a very muddled aspect of the film. It’s supposed to convey her emotional state, which it does to a point but there are other aspects that are mishandled. The other victims that appear in the afterlife with Susie was an extremely confusing and disappointing aspect of the film.

     The Lovely Bones is a very emotionally stimulating movie. The subject matter of the movie makes it a very difficult movie to evaluate. The film causes us to instantly garner an almost immediate level of hate because of the subject of the movie. However, the film really gives no sense of satisfaction. The movie builds a great level of emotion only to never allow the audience to release it. It is filled with dramatic irony as Susie’s murderer is killed but not because of his heinous crimes but through irony. Susie’s wish for his death comes true but not in the manner that she wished for. A good watch to satisfy a boring night at home.