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

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.


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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

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.


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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.


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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.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Movie review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Don't Miss It! - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/movie-review-rise-of-the-planet-of-the-apes-don-t-miss-it-review#ixzz1WRtX7Whl

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.


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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.

    Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Ultimate Avengers (2006): A reimagining of Marvel's super team - Baltimore Animation | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/animation-in-baltimore/dvd-review-ultimate-avengers-2006-review#ixzz1VqkPdunm



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.


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Big Momma's Like Father, Like Son: A Bad Idea that has Gotten Worse with Each Film

Rating:

*

By: Da'Mon Guy

    
     Big Momma’s: Like Father, Like Son is a life-diminishing, maddening attempt at comedic entertainment. The movie is a haphazard, putrid effort to unite two generations of movie goers. The film stars Martin Lawrence (Death at a Funeral), Brandon T. Jackson (Lottery Ticket), Jessica Lucas (Cloverfield), Michelle Ang (My Wedding and Other Secrets), Portia Double Day (Youth In Revolt), Tony Curran (Underworld: Evolution), Faison Love (Couples Retreat), and Ken Jeong (The Hangover pt. 2).

     Big Momma’s: Like Father, Like Son is a disappointing, inexcusable film that tries to infuse a youthful perspective with some of the outdated comedic antics of Martin Lawrence. The movie is the abysmal third appearance by Lawrence as the now defunct character, Hattie May (Big Momma) Pearson. This newest addition is even less entertaining than the last film to showcase Lawrence as the character.
     This disappointing calamity makes some ridiculous attempts to entertain the audience with some adolescent-like humor. Big Momma’s House 3 isn’t as funny as the second dismal film in this unbearable waste of resources. The whole concept of “Big Momma” is even less entertaining in this addition. The laughs are few and between within the framework of this dismal tragedy.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Big Momma's Like Father, Like Son: A bad idea that has gotten worse - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-big-momma-s-like-father-like-son-a-bad-idea-that-has-gotten-worse-review#ixzz1UYhyuErB



Arthur 2010: A Miserable, Unwarranted Wastes of Resources

Rating:

*

By: Da'Mon Guy



     Arthur is an substandard, moronic happenstance that attempts to entertain its audience though a multitude of idiotic, unfunny circumstances. The film is a thankless mishap that offers some brief flickers of the warm story that is embedded within the madness. The film stars Russell Brand (Get Him to the Greek), Hellen Mirren (State of Play), Greta Gerwig (No Strings Attached), Jennifer Garner (The Kingdom), Nick Nolte (Zoo Keeper), and Luis Guizmen (The Taking of Pelham 123 2009).

     Arthur is a remake of a 1980’s movie of the same name that starred Dudley Moore in the title role. This latest incarnation uses Russell Brand as the instrument of chaotic, comedic carnage. The movie poses a rousing question as it attempts to entertain with the idiotic, child-like behavior of Arthur. Money or love? Arthur is forced to make the choice as we’re forced to intake this disaster.



Click the link:

http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-arthur-2011-review

G.I. Joe: Resolute: The Best take on the G.I.Joe Universe

Rating:

*****

By: Da'Mon Guy



G.I. Joe: Resolute is an extremely enjoyable, action packed adaptation of the classic characters from the highly adored toys by Hasbro. This is the best incarnation of the highly revered characters of the 1980’s, even better than the beloved television series of the 1980’s. The film features the voice talents of Steve Blum (Transformers: Prime), Charles Adler (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), Eric Bauza (Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated), and Grey Delisle (Batman: The Brave and the Bold).

     G.I. Joe: Resolute is an entertaining, alternative perception of the popular characters of the 1980’s cartoon series. G.I. Joe: Resolute is a collection of anime shorts that were melded together into a full length feature that was released in 2009. It offers an unmatched level of realism that has never been utilized with the use of the occupants of the G.I. Joe universe. The film epitomizes and captures the true essence of what the cartoon and comic books were all about. It captures the true essence of the characters.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: G.I. Joe: Resolute (2009): The best take on the G.I. Joe universe - Baltimore Animation | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/animation-in-baltimore/dvd-review-g-i-joe-resolute-2009-review#ixzz1US776dUO

Friends With Benefits: An Amusing Perspective on Casual Sex Relationships

Raitng:

***1/2

By: Da'Mon Guy

      Friends With Benefits is a light hearted, witty happenstance that comically focuses on the coping mechanisms that two heart broken people take on the path to true love. The film is the third romantic comedy to showcase a modern trend in society. The movie stars Justin Timberlake (Bad Teacher), Mila Kunis (Black Swan), Woody Harrelson (Zombieland), Patricia Clarkson (Easy A), Richard Jenkins (Let Me In), and Jenna Elfman (Love Hurts). It also features cameos by Emma Stone (Crazy, Stupid, Love), Andy Samberg (I Love You, Man), Jason Segel (Bad Teacher), and Bryan Greenberg (Bride Wars).

     Friends With Benefits is a humorous, clever undertaking that is a showcase for the story of two people who make an emotional connection that is marred by the hurt and disappointment of prior relationships. The film is a universally appealing mockery of the romantic comedy genre. It jokingly embellishes on the clichés and perceptions that other romantic comedies have created in society. The genre usually appeals more to the female dynamic of the relationship, however, this film finds a good balance of enjoyment for both sexes as it offers as many clever witticisms for men as it does for women.


Continue reading on Examiner.com Movie Review: Friends With Benefits: An amusing take on casual sex relationships - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/movie-review-friends-with-benefits-review#ixzz1Tao7oOvO

Horrible Bosses: A Hilarious Mockery of the Everyday Workplace

Rating:

***1/2

By: Da'Mon Guy



     Horrible Bosses is an entertaining, hilarious mockery of the everyday workplace. The film is a humorous undertaking that becomes a showcase for what many working class Americans have fantasized about at one time or another. It’s composed of a great cast of Hollywood talent featuring the likes of Jason Batman (The Change-Up), Jason Sudeikis (Hall Pass), Chris Day (Going the Distance), Kevin Spacey (The Men Who Stare at Goats), Jennifer Anniston (Just Go With It), Colin Farrell (Fright Night 2011), Jamie Foxx (Due Date), and Donald Sutherland (The Mechanic 2011).

    Horrible Bosses infuses a jocular approach to the extenuating circumstances that surround some workplace environments. The movie humorously exaggerates and then pokes fun at some of the everyday trauma that some employees face at the hands of their supervisors. It humorously embellishes on the thoughts of some Americans about their bosses. The movie stockpiled with a number of workplace situations that allows its audience to be able to relate to them and then it hilariously scoff at them.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Movie Review: Horrible Bosses: A hilarious mockery of the everday workplace - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/movie-review-horrible-bosses-review#ixzz1TakccZu6

Sucker Punch: A Good Visual Onslaught that Masks Poor Story

Rating:

***

By: Da'Mon Guy

     Sucker Punch is an imaginative, action oriented manifestation that attempts to infuse a cutting edge visual onslaught as subterfuge for a disjointed story that lacks cohesion and never makes any sense. The film stars Emily Browning (The Uninvited), Abbie Cornish (Limitless), Jena Malone (The Ruins), Vanessa Hudgins (Beastly), Jamie Chung (The Hangover pt. 2), Carla Guino (Faster), Oscar Issac (Robin Hood), John Hamm (The Town), and Scott Glenn (Secretariat). It’s directed by Zach Snyder (The Watchmen).

 

     Sucker Punch is a collection of vibrant, intense images that mask the inconsistent and incoherent story. It is, however, one of the most imaginative movies that you will ever encounter. The film is a ground breaking assemblage of great visual effects that are forcibly conjoined with a accumulation of senselessness. The movie filters in a multitude of elements to incorporate the viewer into the concept that this is the fruition of a young girl’s imagination. The film throws everything but the kitchen sink into the picture.

     The biggest downfall of Sucker Punch is the lack of cohesion to the stories. Sucker Punch occurs in three separate realities but neither relate to one another or make any sense. The film is almost three different stories that have little to no connection. Each story moves forward but is barely connected to the prior. As amazing as it appears on film, the action of the film really has no place in the movie. The movie never shows what is going on in reality as Baby Doll creates this world filled with these fantastic sequences. That was a clear detractor as a return to reality would’ve helped to explain certain aspects of the film.

 

     Sucker Punch is a mirage that never returns the main story or makes any reference to the main story of the film which completely offsets the rest of the movie. Sucker Punch only references the circumstances within the insane asylum in the opening moments and isn’t seen again until its waning moments. The lack of relation to the primary story waste the breathtaking visuals and action that are visualized as Baby Doll delves deeper into her subconscious. As the audience is drawn into deeper into Baby Doll’s psyche, the story makes less and less sense.

 

     Sucker Punch’s greatest asset is it’s great cinematography. The film is filled with powerful dramatic imagery. It is visually amazing. The great action and visuals are completely astonishing, they almost make up for the senselessness and stupidity of the film.

     Sucker Punch isn’t a movie about performances. The film is more of a showcase for the radical imagery that it infuses as opposed to the performance of each of the actors. Young Emily Browning does about as good of a job as possible within this type of film. The lack of acting is more of a result of the script as opposed to the talent of the young actress. Conversely, Oscar Issac does a good job as Blue, the story’s atagonist, the events of the story coupled with his performance clearly compels the audience to hate him. In addition, Scott Glenn, who takes the role of Baby Doll’s conscience/ mentor, simply known as “The Wise Man”, and has a number of witty lines that enhance the enjoyment of each of the action stories.

     If you ever wanted to materialize a child’s over active imagination then you would come up with Sucker Punch. The film is a visual masterpiece that was director Zach Snyder’s chance to make a great action movie with little to no direction or and even less of a story. The film has an insane amount of great action with nearly no plot nor purpose. It is the biggest collection of images and mismatched characters to be placed in a single film. Samurai, dragons, zombies, Nazis, and robots, all appear within the framework of this devastating catastrophe. A ridiculous waste of some Intense cutting edge action without any true purpose or reason. One of the tag lines associated with the film was that reality is a prison and Sucker Punch truly embellishes on that concept as the film is a fantastic visualization of Baby Doll’s incredible imagination. Sucker Punch is clearly not made for anyone who enjoys a sensible story. The film instead plays out like the latest PS3 video game. Too much of the film is focused on the action and not enough on the compelling story that it starts with. Sucker Punch is a great movie if you are 13 but for those that are more seasoned then Sucker Punch will fall short.

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