"Thor" (Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins) in Theatres on April 29, 2011

Thor (2011)

Hazel's
Rating: 4/5
Review: Great acting from the cast and cool special effects! I was sad for Loki when he let go of the rope, seeing his father was not pleased. Watching the movie was a Thor-oughly enjoyable ride =)

Audience
Rating: 3.9/5
Like the Movie: 81% (n=106,681)

Critics
Rating: 3.4/5
Like the Movie: 78% (n=234)


Reviews

"Delivers pretty much everything you could want from a Thor movie, thanks to a superb script, note-perfect direction from Kenneth Branagh, a terrific supporting cast and a charismatic, star-making central performance from Chris Hemsworth." - Matthew Turner, ViewLondon

"Branagh makes the most of CGI's potential to create glimmering surfaces and vast landscapes and, for once, the 3D is a bonus." - Leo Robson, Financial Times

"It wants to impress with dazzling special effects rather than through an emotive, captivating story." Matthew Toomey, ABC Radio Brisbane

"A triumph! I can't wait for Thor to meet Tony Stark. Avengers assemble!" - Jens S

"While Thor may not be a thundering triumph, it's decent enough fun to make you hope that lightning strikes twice and we get a sequel." - Dave Golder, SFX Magazine

"Thor-roughly good fun." - James Smith, Little White Lies

"The most problematic hurdle in The Avengers' path is cleared with ease and some style by a film that makes a virtue of its inherent silliness. You're up, Captain America." - Nell Smith, Total Film


Movie Info

Genre: Drama, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Synopsis: The epic adventure "Thor" spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the mystical realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. As a result, Thor is banished to Earth, where he is forced to live among humans. When the most dangerous villain of his world sends its darkest forces to invade Earth, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero.

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hr. 10 min.

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Directed By: Kenneth Branagh

Written By: Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, Don Payne

Cast
Chris Hemsworth (Thor)
Tom Hiddleston (Loki)
Natalie Portman (Jane Foster)
Anthony Hopkins (Odin)
Stellan Skarsgård (Professor Andrews)


Source: rottentomatoes.com

"Limitless" (Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro) in Theatres on March 18, 2011

Limitless (2011)

Hazel's
Rating: 3.5/5
Review: When I watched the movie, I was reminded of the time I took the board exams for medical technology... there were people in our review center offering and selling food supplements like Spirulina that could (according to them) improve memory. Of course, I didn't buy (due to my lack of belief of their effectiveness & also fearing the side effects, which the movie also tackled). I like the movie's concept since I also pondered on the thought before... "What could happen if we were able to access and utilize most, if not all, of our brains?" I commend the movie for trying to answer this and exemplified both possible and impossible scenarios, which piqued my interest. By the way, I never recognized Lindy was Sweet Pea of Sucker Punch (which I just watched recently) but if I were taking NZT, I'm sure I would have known it was her hehe =)

Audience
Rating: 3.7/5
Like the Movie: 75% (n=39,925)

Critics
Rating: 3.2/5
Like the Movie: 69% (n=164)


Reviews:

"Limitless hits you like an adrenaline rush that will have you saying, 'I'll have what he's having.'" - Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

"Limitless may not be as brainy as it would like to think it is, but it's a relatively sharp and surprisingly playful head-trip, a satisfyingly novel twist on mindless entertainment." - Tom Charity, CNN.com

"You could pick the script apart for impossibilities. But why bother? It's much more enjoyable to shut your brain off and have a good time." - Christy Lemire, Associated Press

"Although its script is uneven, Neil Burger directs Limitless with plenty of visual panache, and Bradley Cooper makes for a charismatic star." - rottentomatoes.com

"The filmmakers doesn't sweat the fact that Eddie is a chemically enhanced fraud. What scares them is any possibility of alienating the movie's target audience with a downer ending." - Mark Jenkins, NPR

"'Limitless' only uses 15, maybe 20 percent of its brain. Still, that's more than a lot of movies do." - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

"For a plot about super-intelligent people, the screenplay is surprisingly dumb." - James Berardinelli, ReelViews

"Limitless should be so much smarter than it is." - Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter

"Very limited, actually." - David, Denby, New Yorker


Movie Info

Genre: Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Synopsis: Aspiring author Eddie Morra (Cooper) is suffering from chronic writer's block, but his life changes instantly when an old friend introduces him to NZT, a revolutionary new pharmaceutical that allows him to tap his full potential. With every synapse crackling, Eddie can recall everything he has ever read, seen or heard, learn any language in a day, comprehend complex equations and beguile anyone he meets as long as he keeps taking the untested drug. Soon Eddie takes Wall Street by storm, parlaying a small stake into millions. His accomplishments catch the eye of mega-mogul Carl Van Loon (De Niro),who invites him to help broker the largest merger in corporate history. But they also bring Eddie to the attention of people willing to do anything to get their hands on his stash of NZT. With his life in jeopardy and the drug's brutal side effects grinding him down, Eddie dodges mysterious stalkers, a vicious gangster and an intense police investigation as he attempts to hang on to his dwindling supply long enough to outwit his enemies. -- (C) Relativity

Rated: PG-13 for thematic material involving a drug, violence including disturbing images, sexuality and language

Running Time: 1 hr. 45 min.

Distributor: Relativity Media

Directed By: Neil Burger

Cast
Bradley Cooper (Eddie Morra)
Robert De Niro (Carl Van Loon)
Abbie Cornish (Lindy)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

"Water for Elephants" (Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson) in Theatres on May 4, 2011

Water for Elephants (2011)

Audience
Rating: 4.3/5
Like the Movie: 93% (n=20,117)

Critics
Rating: 3/5
Like the Movie: 49% (n=70)


Reviews:

"A splendid period swooner that delivers classic romance and an indelible insider's view of 1930s circus life." - Peter DeBruge, Variety

"Like 'The Notebook,' but with an elephant, the unexpectedly good film version of "Water for Elephants" elevates pure corn to a completely satisfying realm of romantic melodrama." - Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

"In an age of prefabricated special effects and obviously phony spectacle, it's sort of old-fashioned (and a pleasure) to see a movie made of real people and plausible sets." - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

"Can the film live up to Sara Gruen's best-selling novel, an adored word-of-mouth phenomenon? [Yes.]" - Joy Tipping, Dallas Morning News

"It's a tale tastefully told and beautifully filmed, but Water for Elephants suffers from a pronounced lack of chemistry between its leads." - rottentomatoes.com

"Will please fans of Sara Gruen's best seller, but it lacks the vital spark that would have made the drama truly compelling on the screen." - Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter

"The script by Richard LaGravenese, who is well-versed in adapting popular fiction such as Bridges of Madison County, lacks the sparkle of his best work." - Claudia Puig, USA Today

"[Witherspoon and Pattinson] are game, but the pulse between them approaches Dracula's resting heart rate." - Peter Howell, Toronto Star

"Add romantic chemistry to the list of things that fall flat in the film, alongside dialogue and acting." - Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

"If basking in the simulacrum of [Pattinson's] need-filled gaze is your bag, then by all means..." - Glenn Kenny, MSN Movies


Movie Info

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: Based on the acclaimed bestseller, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS presents an unexpected romance in a uniquely compelling setting. Veterinary school student Jacob meets and falls in love with Marlena, a star performer in a circus of a bygone era. They discover beauty amidst the world of the Big Top, and come together through their compassion for a special elephant. Against all odds -- including the wrath of Marlena's charismatic but dangerous husband, August -- Jacob and Marlena find lifelong love. - (c) Fox

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hr.

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Directed By: Francis Lawrence

Written By: Richard LaGravenese

Cast
Reese Witherspoon (Marlena)
Robert Pattinson (Jacob)
Christoph Waltz (August)
Hal Holbrook (Old Jacob)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

"Arthur" (Russell Brand, Jennifer Garner) in Theatres on April 23, 2011

Arthur (2011)

Audience
Rating: 3.5/5
Like the Movie: 64% (n=14,173)

Critics
Rating: 2.2/5
Like the Movie: 28% (n=146)


Reviews:

"Arthur may not be much of a movie but Russell Brand is one heck of an Arthur." - Tom Long, Detroit News

"With a handful of solid laughs and a modicum of snappy dialogue, it's liable to amuse, if not overwhelm, an audience seeking casual, forgettable entertainment." Eric D. Snider, Film.com

"It's amazing how a lifeless, pointless remake can provoke pangs of nostalgia about a mediocre movie. Such is the case with Arthur." - James Berardinelli, ReelViews

"An irritating, unnecessary remake that demonstrates the libertine charm Russell Brand exudes in supporting roles turn against him when he's star of the show." - rottentomatoes.com

"Apparently, somebody thought it was time for a remake. Clearly, somebody was dead wrong." - Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

"Despite Mirren's estimable presence, the new Arthur has little of its own to offer. It's the same story, told with much less heart." - David Germain, Associated Press

"There are so many reasons to dislike Arthur that it's hard to pick just one." - Tom Maurstad, Dallas Morning News

"If you must see Arthur, choose a theater that serves alcohol. You'll need it." - Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune


Movie Info

Genre: Comedy

Synopsis: In this fresh new look at a classic story, Russell Brand reinvents the role of loveable billionaire Arthur Bach, an irresponsible charmer who has always relied on two things to get by: his limitless fortune and the good sense of his lifelong nanny and best friend Hobson (Helen Mirren), to keep him out of trouble. Kind-hearted, fun-loving, and utterly without purpose, Arthur spends every day in the heedless pursuit of amusement. But when his unpredictable public image threatens the staid reputation of the family foundation, Bach Worldwide, he is given an ultimatum: marry the beautiful but decidedly unlovable Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner), an ambitious corporate exec who can keep him in line, or say goodbye to his billion-dollar inheritance and the only way of life he knows. It's a deal Arthur would be inclined to take... if he hadn't just fallen for Naomi (Greta Gerwig), a New York City tour guide who shares his idealism and spontaneity. The independent Naomi sees Arthur not only for who he is, but for who he could be, and finally gives him a reason to take charge of his own life. All he needs to do is stand up for what he wants. But at what cost? With some unconventional help from Hobson -- the one person who always believed he could do anything -- Arthur will take the most expensive risk of his life and learn what it means to become a man. -- (C) Warner Bros

Rated: PG-13 for alcohol use throughout, sexual content, language and some drug references

Running Time: 1 hr. 50 min.

Distributor: Warner Bros.

Directed By: Jason Winer

Cast
Russell Brand (Arthur Bach)
Helen Mirren (Hobson)
Greta Gerwig (Naomi)
Jennifer Garner (Susan)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules" (Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick) in Theatres on April 23, 2011

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules (2011)

Audience
Rating: 3.8/5
Like the Movie: 74% (n=13,415)

Critics
Rating: 2.6/5
Like the Movie: 39% (n=69)


Reviews:

"Here's a tween comedy you don't have to be a tween to enjoy." - Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series might more aptly be titled Diary of a Wimpy Family... The film sequel is more engaging than the original was because it spends more time at home." - Stephen Cole, Globe and Mail

"The physical comedy will have the typical 10-year-old and some grown-ups cackling with glee." - Richard Roeper, richardroeper.com

"I didn't laugh much, nor did my 10-year-old companions, but nobody had their soul crushed by the experience. This is the film industry's Hippocratic oath: First, crush no souls." - Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

"Moderately witty and acceptably acted, Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 isn't much worse than the first installment." - rottentomatoes.com

"Somehow feels even thinner than the black-and-white line drawings that fill Kinney's books and are used here in the title sequence." - Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News

"Apparently seventh grade doesn't pack as much potential for amusing, scarred-for-life trauma as sixth grade." - Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

"They've wimped out." - Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly


Movie Info

Genre: Drama, Kids & Family, Comedy

Synopsis: In this sequel to 2010's surprise hit, Greg Heffley, the kid who made "wimpy" cool is back in an all-new family comedy based on the best-selling follow-up novel by Jeff Kinney (Kinney's "Wimpy Kid" series has thus far sold 42 million books). As he begins seventh grade, Greg and his older brother - and chief tormentor - Rodrick must deal with their parents' misguided attempts to have them bond. - Fox

Rated: PG for some mild rude humor and mischief

Running Time: 1 hr. 36 min.

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Directed By: David Bowers

Written By: Gabe Sachs, Jeff Judah, Jeff Kinney

Cast
Zachary Gordon (Greg Heffley)
Devon Bostick (Rodrick Heffley)
Rachael Harris (Susan Heffley)
Steve Zahn (Frank Heffley)
Jeff Kinney (Holly's Dad)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

"Beastly" (Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens) in Theatres on April 23, 2011

Beastly (2011)

Audience
Rating: 3.5/5
Liked the Movie: 62% (n=37,655)

Critics
Rating: 1.85/5
Liked the Movie: 18% (n=78)


Reviews:

"You have to admire the bravery of the filmmakers, who went ahead and made a movie despite not understanding the subject matter. It's also pretty impressive that anyone could miss the point of Beauty and the Beast." - Eric D. Snider, Film.com

"Beastly gets one timeless fact right: For hatchet faces, fatty cakes and Frankenskanks, high school can definitely feel like a curse." - Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

"Roses and love bloom, and you might giggle yourself sick, but this is the kind of cornball entertainment that rainy afternoons were made for. Throw in a cozy sofa too. Beastly will size down well on your television." - Manohla Dargis, New York Times

"Fundamentally misguided, poorly written, and badly acted, Beastly adds little to the legacy of its timeless source material." - rottentomatoes.com

"It's dogged by awkward dialogue, a ridiculous plot and lackluster performances, especially by the leads, Alex Pettyfer and Vanessa Hudgens." - Claudia Puig, USA Today

"Beauty and the Beast Lite. Might appeal to 11-year-old girls." - Richard Roeper, richardroeper.com

"The best thing about this movie -- starring Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens and Mary-Kate Olsen -- is that it's only 86 minutes long." - Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter

"There is one good thing you can say about "Beastly": The title perfectly sums up what you'll see on screen." - Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic


Movie Info

Genre: Drama, Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Synopsis: Beastly is an edgy teen romance about learning how to see past false surfaces to discover true inner beauty. Kyle Kingson (Alex Pettyfer) has it all - looks, intelligence, wealth and opportunity - and a wicked cruel streak. Prone to mocking and humiliating "aggressively unattractive" classmates, he zeroes in on Goth classmate Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen), inviting her to the school's extravagant environmental bash. Kendra accepts, and, true to form, Kyle blows her off in a particularly savage fashion. She retaliates by casting a spell that physically transforms him into everything he despises. Enraged by his horrible and unrecognizable appearance he confronts Kendra and learns that the only solution to the curse is to find someone that will love him as he is - a task he considers impossible. Repulsed by his appearance, Kyle's callous father (Peter Krause) banishes him to Brooklyn with a sympathetic housekeeper (Lisa Gay Hamilton) and blind tutor (Neil Patrick Harris). As Kyle ponders how to overcome the curse and get his old life back, he chances upon a drug addict in the act of killing a threatening dealer. Seizing the opportunity, Kyle promises the addict freedom and safety for his daughter Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens) if she will consent to live in Kyle's Brooklyn home. Thus begins Kyle's journey to discover true love in this hyper-modern retelling of the classic "Beauty and the Beast" story.

Rated: PG-13 for language including crude comments, brief violence and some thematic material

Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min.

Distributor: CBS Films

Directed By: Daniel Barnz

Cast
Alex Pettyfer (Kyle Kingson)
Vanessa Hudgens (Lindy Taylor)
Mary-Kate Olsen (Kendra)
Neil Patrick Harris (Will)
Peter Krause (Rob Kingson)
Lisa Gay Hamilton (Zola)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

I Am Number Four in Theatres on February 23, 2011

I Am Number Four (2011)

Hazel's
Rating: 2/5
Review: I just found the script too weird and unrealistic (e.g. Will you just leave your dog to fight off the biggest alien alone, not bothering to help or find out if your beloved pet is still alive? If you really loved a girl, would you bring her with you even if you were chased by dangerous aliens? If powerful aliens were after you, would you just take refuge in a nearby school and just spend your time developing pictures?) Though the effects are nice, the story was just not making any sense. I don't think I'll waste my time and money watching the sequel.

Audience
Rating: 3.6/5
Liked the Movie: 66% (n=50,968)

Critics
Rating: 2.35/5
Liked the Movie: 30% (n=141)


Reviews:

"It deserves an audience Numbering many." - Alex Zane, Sun Online

"I Am Number Four" is like a good episode of "Smallville:" You may feel a bit silly watching it if you're past high-school age, but you just might have a good time." - Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic

"It's positioned as the start of a franchise, but I Am Number Four's familiar plot and unconvincing performances add up to one noisy, derivative, and ultimately forgettable sci-fi thriller." - rottentomatoes.com

"There's a lot going on in 'I Am Number Four,' and very little of it makes sense." - Linda Cook, KWQC-TV (Iowa)

"The script has zero curiosity about any of these characters and their motivations. Why are they here? What are their powers, exactly? If kids just past puberty are such lethal fighters, how did the whole race of them get wiped out?" - Kenneth Morefield, Christianity Today

"The pic's stumbling block is its inability to convince us we're watching someone extraordinary." - Justin Chang, Variety

"The logic is dodgy, and the most frightening aspect is the sequel promised at the end." - Philip French, Guardian (UK)


Movie Info

Genre: Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Synopsis:
Three are dead. He is Number Four. D.J. Caruso ("Eagle Eye," "Disturbia") helms an action-packed thriller about an extraordinary young man, John Smith (Alex Pettyfer), who is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Timothy Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Dianna Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny. John (Alex Pettyfer) is an extraordinary young man, masking his true identity and passing as a typical student to elude a deadly enemy seeking to destroy him. Three like him have already been killed...he is Number Four. Based on the book by Pittacus Lore.-- (C)Dreamworks

Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for brief language

Running Time: 1 hr. 49 min.

Distributor: DreamWorks Studios

Directed By: D.J. Caruso

Written By: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Marti Noxon

Cast
Alex Pettyfer (John Smith/Number 4)
Timothy Olyphant (Henri)
Teresa Palmer (Number 6)
Dianna Agron (Sarah)
Callan McAuliffe (Sam)
Kevin Durand (Mogadorian Commander)

Source: rottentomatoes.com