Total Recall (Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel) in Theatres on August 22, 2012

Total Recall (2012)

Audience
Rating: 3.2/5
Liked the Movie: 48% (n=53,587)

Critics
Rating: 2.6/5
Liked the Movie: 31% (n=149)


Reviews

"If you share its desire for straight adrenaline, the ride works." - Tom Long, Detroit News

"While it boasts some impressive action sequences, Total Recall lacks the intricate plotting, wry humor, and fleshed out characters that made the original a sci-fi classic." - rottentomatoes.com

"Casting and visuals are an upgrade, but we get far too many action sequences and not enough of the mind games." - Richard Roeper, richardroeper.com

"It's big and it's loud, but ultimately not much more than that." - Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

"One of the great advantages of remaking a movie is being given the opportunity to correct problems - something not attempted here." - James Berardinelli, ReelViews

"The Total Recall reboot is a futuristic fiasco, two hours you'll never get back - and every minute is a bad memory." - Peter Travers, Rolling Stone


Movie Info

Welcome to Rekall, the company that can turn your dreams into real memories. For a factory worker named Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), even though he's got a beautiful wife (Kate Beckinsale) who he loves, the mind-trip sounds like the perfect vacation from his frustrating life - real memories of life as a super-spy might be just what he needs. But when the procedure goes horribly wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man. Finding himself on the run from the police - controlled by Chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston), the leader of the free world - Quaid teams up with a rebel fighter (Jessica Biel) to find the head of the underground resistance (Bill Nighy) and stop Cohaagen. -- (C) Sony

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hr. 1 min.

Genre: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed By: Len Wiseman

Written By: Kurt Wimmer

Distributed By: Sony Pictures

Cast
Colin Farrell (Douglas Quaid)
Kate Beckinsale (Lori Quaid)
Bryan Cranston (Cohaagen, Vilos Cohaagen)
Jessica Biel (Melina)
Bill Nighy (Kuato, Matthias, Quatto)
Bokeem Woodbine (Harry)
John Cho (McClane)
Will Yun Lee (Marek)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (Benjamin Walker) in Theatres on July 4, 2012

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

Audience
Rating: 3.5/5
Liked the Movie: 61% (n=144,391)

Critics
Rating: 2.5/5
Liked the Movie: 34% (n=150)


Reviews

"Both terribly silly and a lot of fun." - Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

"Of course it's ridiculous and tasteless and grotesque. It's ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VAMPIRE HUNTER." - Richard Roeper, richardroeper.com

"Bekmambetov ... stages hilarious, imaginative, almost free-form action sequences like nobody in the business." - Andrew O'Hehir, salon.com

"Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter has visual style to spare, but its overly serious tone doesn't jibe with its decidedly silly central premise, leaving filmgoers with an unfulfilling blend of clashing ingredients." - rottentomatoes.com

"Bekmambetov doesn't expect us to take the premise seriously, exactly. But he doesn't seem to want us to laugh at it, either." - Eric D. Snider, film.com

"The movie plays safe by cutting every theme down the middle - a swing that's effective when splitting wood or vampire skulls, but dull when applied to filmmaking." - Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

"A B movie treated like an A movie that mostly ends up being a zzzzzzzzzz movie." - Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger

"Not just a letdown but an absolute disaster." - Rafer Guzman, Newsday

"Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" is such a smashing title it's too bad someone had to spoil things by making a movie to go with it." - Manohla Dargis, New York Times

"What next, "George Washington Werewolf"? Laugh not, history profs." - Tom Long, Detroit News


Movie Info

Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov reinvent the time-honored genre and present the terrifying creatures of the night as they were meant to be experienced -- as fierce, visceral, intense and bloodthristy. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter brings to the screen the secret life of our nation's favorite president... as history's greatest hunter of the undead. -- (C) Official Site

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 hr. 45 min.

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

Directed By: Timur Bekmambetov

Written By: Seth Grahame-Smith

Distributed By: 20th Century Fox

Cast
Benjamin Walker (Abraham Lincoln)
Dominic Cooper (Henry Sturges)
Anthony Mackie (Will Johnson)
Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Mary Lincoln)
Rufus Sewell (Adam)
Marton Csokas (Jack Barts)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner) in Theatres on November 2012

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012)

Hazel's
Comment: Twilight fans are in for a treat on November... though it's the last installment already of an engaging series that had us glued to Jacob's abs and Edward's pretty face haha =)

Audience
Like to See the Movie: 90% (n=48,892)


Movie Info

The epic love story between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen concludes in this final installment of Stephenie Meyer's best-selling series.

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

Directed By: Bill Condon

Written By: Melissa Rosenberg, Stephenie Meyer

Distributed By: Lionsgate Films

Cast
Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan)
Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen)
Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black)
Ashley Greene (Alice)
Kellan Lutz (Emmett)
Nikki Reed (Rosalie)
Peter Facinelli (Carlisle)
Jackson Rathbone (Jasper)
Elizabeth Reaser (Esme)
Billy Burke (Charlie Swan)
Dakota Fanning (Jane Volturi)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

The Amazing Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Sally Field) in Theatres on June 29, 2012

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Hazel's
Comment: A movie I'm definitely going to watch on the big screen! It's awesome that there are scenes wherein you could feel like you're Spider-Man since it's shot on his perspective. Can't wait when it swings to theatres real soon...

Audience
Like to See the Movie: 91% (n=232,426)


Movie Info

The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance - leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero. -- (C) Sony

Rated: PG-13

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

Directed By: Marc Webb

Written By: Steve Ditko, Stan Lee, James Vanderbilt

Distributed By: Sony Pictures

Cast
Andrew Garfield (Peter Parker / Spider-Man)
Emma Stone (Gwen Stacy)
Rhys Ifans (Dr. Curt Connors)
Sally Field (Aunt May / May Parker)
Denis Leary (Captain Stacy)
Martin Sheen (Ben Parker / Uncle Ben)
Campbell Scott (Richard Parker)
Irfan Khan (Dr. Ratha / Van Adder)
Annie Parisse (Mrs. Van Adder)
Julianne Nicholson (Mary Parker)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner) in Theatres on November 18, 2011

You are cordially invited to Isabella Swan and Edward Cullen's Wedding on November 18, 2011 at a theatre nearest you... =)

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011)

Critics
Rating: 2.1/5
Like the Movie: 12% (n=16)

Audience
Rating:
Like to See the Movie: 89% (n=52,019)


Reviews

"The most melodramatic installment in the series, but if you're willing to suspend your disbelief (and laughter), it's a compelling and entertaining ride." - Cara Nash, FILMINK Australia

"It is in many respects the best installment of the franchise as its stars go from sullen kids to sullen young adults, where their expressions look more natural." - Scott Bowles, USA Today

"The Twilight films manage to cleverly blend melodrama with supernatural thrills, and while the film is not without its silly moments and cringeworthy dialogue it does deliver the drama and emotional highs we have come to expect." - Mark Adams, Daily Mirror [UK]

"Really a half-film, and the boring half at that. Such is the nature of things dubbed "Part 1." It's a film about things that will inevitably happen, but don't until the next, more important part." - Phil Villareal, OK! Magazine

"Fails to inject its few key scenes with any life thanks to a woeful script, poor direction and lacklustre performances, though fans of the franchise should be used to that by now." - Matthew Turner, ViewLondon

"This weekend, millions of people around the globe will be conned into handing over their hard earned cash to see a film with no plot, no action and no climax." - Matthew Toomey, Brisbane

"The vampire drama of Twilight is all about the romantic agony of eternity, and this franchise feels like it's going on for ever." - Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

"An eventful but bloodless first half of the smash series' finale." - Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter


Movie Info

In The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson), plus those they love, must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage, honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of a child...which brings an unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). -- (C) Summit Entertainment

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 1 hr. 57 min.

Genre: Romance, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed By: Bill Condon

Written By: Melissa Rosenberg, Stephenie Meyer

Distributor: Summit Entertainment

Cast
Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan)
Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen)
Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black)
Billy Burke (Charlie Swan)
Peter Facinelli (Dr. Carlisle Cullen)
Elizabeth Reaser (Esme Cullen)
Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen)
Nikki Reed (Rosalie Hale)
Jackson Rathbone (Jasper Hale)
Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

In Time (Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried) in Theatres on October 28, 2011

In Time

For more info by 20th Century Fox, please CLICK HERE.

Audience
Rating: 3.6/5
Like the Movie: 75% (n=16,355)

Critics
Rating: 2.8/5
Like the Movie: 43% (n=14)


Reviews

"The premise is damnably intriguing." - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

"If you can get past the plot holes and the copious time puns, In Time is actually rather brisk, enjoyable entertainment." - Christy Lemire, Associated Press

"The concept of the movie dovetails nicely with society's never-ending obsession with youth and our pursuit of ways to find more hours in the day, but somebody forgot to stop at the plot store on the way to the studio." - Linda Barnard, Toronto Star

"If only the ticking clock were more tightly wound; if only more time were used to develop the romance and relationships; if only dying didn't seem so easy." - Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times

"Pretty cast. Potent premise. Piss-poor execution." - Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

"It's a great idea that Niccol can't translate into a great movie." - Richard Corliss, Time Magazine

"Ace cinematographer Roger Deakins makes it all look exciting, but the rob-and-run action sequences are subpar." - Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Timberlake, who had a scene-stealing turn as Napster mogul Sean Parker in "The Social Network," is a snooze in this role, not quite as wooden as Keanu Reeves but hardly making a case for himself as an actor." - Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic

"Unfortunately, as the film moves along, its brisk pace notwithstanding, too many issues come to weigh against it. As cleverly conceived as it is, the time-for-money substitution leaves a lot of questions unanswered." - Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter


Movie Info

When Will Salas is falsely accused of murder, he must figure out a way to bring down a system where time is money - literally - enabling the wealthy to live forever while the poor, like Will, have to beg, borrow, and steal enough minutes to make it through another day. -- (C) 20th Century Fox

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 1 hr. 49 min.

Genre: Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed By: Andrew Niccol

Written By: Andrew Niccol

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Cast
Justin Timberlake (Will Salas)
Amanda Seyfried (Sylvia Weis)
Cillian Murphy (Raymond Leon)
Vincent Kartheiser (Philippe Weis)
Olivia Wilde (Rachel Salas)
Matthew Bomer (Henry Hamilton)
Johnny Galecki (Borel)
Collins Pennie (Timekeeper Jaeger)
Toby Hemingway (Timekeeper Kors)
Yaya DaCosta (Greta)
Alex Pettyfer (Fortis)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World (Jessica Alba) in Theatres on September 14, 2011

Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World (2011)

Audience
Rating: 2.9/5
Like the Movie: 42% (n=19,276)

Critics
Rating: 2/5
Like the Movie: 22% (n=49)


Reviews

"Like its predecessors, a tediously cartoonish candy-colored rollercoaster." Nick Schager, Village Voice

"It's much inferior to the earlier films, though kids will probably like it." - Philip French, Observer [UK]

"It simply entertains at a basic level without leaving a lasting impression." Lisa Wilton, Jam! Movies

"Kids might enjoy the cheesy jokes, the shiny gadgets and the pooping dog but for adults it is snooze time all the way." Jackie K. Cooper, jackiekcooper.com

"Rodriguez directs the movie with his trademark kineticism, but a flimsy and uninventive script means there's little investment in the characters or their actions." - Simon Reynolds, Digital Spy

"The presence of Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino is sorely missed. Then again, more power to them for staying away from a movie that would smell in any dimension." - Matt Brunson, Creative Loafing

"Feels more like a cheap kids' TV series than an actual movie." - Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall

"Life is too short for Spy Kids: All the Time in the World" - Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter


Movie Info

On the surface, Marissa Cortez Wilson (Jessica Alba) has it all...married to a famous spy hunting television reporter, a new baby and intelligent twin step kids. But in reality, trying to mother Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook), who clearly don't want her around, is her toughest challenge yet. Also, her husband, Wilbur (Joel McHale), wouldn't know a spy if he lived with one which is exactly the case - Marissa's a retired secret agent. Marissa's world is turned upside down when the maniacal Timekeeper (Jeremy Piven) threatens to take over the planet and she's called back into action by the head of OSS, home of the greatest spies and where the now-defunct Spy Kids division was created. With a little help from a couple of very familiar Spy Kids, Carmen (Alexa Vega) and Juni Cortez (Daryl Sabara), they just may be able to save the world and possibly bring their family together while they're at it. -- (C) Weinstein

Rated: PG

Running Time: 1 hr. 29 min.

Genre: Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

Directed By: Robert Rodriguez

Distributor: Weinstein Company

Cast
Jessica Alba (Marissa Cortez Wilson)
Joel McHale (Wilbur Wilson)
Jeremy Piven (Danger D'Amo / Tick Tock)
Alexa Vega (Carmen Cortez)
Daryl Sabara (Juni Cortez)
Rowan Blanchard (Rebecca Wilson)
Mason Cook (Cecil Wilson)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow) in Theatres on August 4, 2011

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Audience
Rating:
Like to See the Movie: 90% (n=22,854)

Critics
Rating: 3.4/5
Like the Movie: 83% (n=6)


Reviews

"Let's hope the movie isn't as bad as the title." - cloudstrife84, rottentomatoes.com

"A dramatic, tense and edgy work which poses a few moral questions and dilemmas" - Andrew Urban, Urban Cinefile

"Despite some flaws, this is the most thrilling and entertaining sepctacle adventure of the summer, boasting a splendid performance from Andy Serkis, this time as the star." - Emanuel Levy, emanuellevy.com

"It's a fantastic reboot of the franchise; warm, thrilling, and exceedingly human." - Paul Verhoeven, The Vine

"This sci-fi fantasy is a dramatic oomphy affair that begins with a small thing: the rescue of a baby chimp, and ends... well, you will need to see the movie ... Director Rupert Wyatt pulls everything together beautifully" - Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile


Movie Info

An origin story in the true sense of the word, Rise of the Apes is set in present day San Francisco. The film is a reality-based cautionary tale -- a science fiction/science-fact blend where mankind's hubris leads to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy. Oscar-winning visual effects house WETA Digital - employing certain of the groundbreaking technologies developed for "Avatar" - will render, for the first time ever in the film series, photo-realistic apes rather than costumed actors. -- (C) Fox

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hr.

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

Directed By: Rupert Wyatt

Written By: Pierre Boulle, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Cast
James Franco (Will Rodman)
Freida Pinto (Caroline)
John Lithgow (Charles Rodman)
Andy Serkis (Caesar)
Brian Cox (John Landon)
Tom Felton (Dodge Landon)
David Oyelowo (Steven Jacobs)
Karin Konoval (Maurice)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint) in Theatres on July 14, 2011

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (2011)

Audience
Rating:
Like to See the Movie: 96% (n=120,962)

Critics
Rating: 4.1/5
Like the Movie: 100% (n=20)


Reviews

"This is such an entertaining, beguiling, charming and exciting picture. It reminded me of the thrill I felt on seeing the very first one, 10 years ago." - Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

"I am a fan of both the books and films and it is sad to say goodbye to the boy wizard so many have grown up with. But at least he gets the send-off he deserves -- with a 3D blast of visual wizardry." - Grant Rollings, Sun Online

"You need a deep grounding in Potter-lore to make the slightest bit of sense out of it, but that won't be a problem for most people who see this film." - Richard Godwin, This is London

"Bear with the slow start and what you get in this bookending instalment's latter two acts is more pathos, exhilaration, and sheer entertainment value than anything else in the entire eight-film, ten-year saga. Potter has certainly saved the best for last." - Shaun Munro, What Culture

"Love, loss, courage, hope and humour -- Deathly Hallows offers them all in what proves a worthy finale to the Potter saga." - Catherine Jones, Liverpool Echo

"An outstanding capper to the most lucrative film franchise of all time." - Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter

"Fusing spectacle and emotion into a thrilling final chapter, director David Yates ensures that the series goes out with a bang. Finales don't come much grander than this." - Richard Jordan, Total Film

"Defined by darker mood and greater gravity than previous chapters, this film concludes the series on a high note that should please viewers and get serious attention as Oscar contender." - Emanuel Levy, emanuellevy.com

"All too soon, in the words of the tagline, 'It All Ends'. Spectacularly. Emotionally. And Wanderfully." - Birmingham Mail

"If you've been a devoted follower of the Potter saga in print and at the movies, you'll come away from this final chapter with a feeling of catharsis and, perhaps, a slightly damp handkerchief." - Alfonso Duralde, The Wrap


Movie Info

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. The much-anticipated motion picture event is the second of two full-length parts. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here. -- (C) Warner Bros.

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hr. 10 min.

Genre: Drama, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed By: David Yates

Written By: Steve Kloves, J.K. Rowling

Distributor: Warner Bros.

Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter)
Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley)
Emma Watson (Hermione Granger)
Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange)
Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort)
Michael Gambon (Professor Albus Dumbledore)
Alan Rickman (Professor Severus Snape)
John Hurt (Mr. Ollivander)
Miranda Richardson (Rita Skeeter)
Emma Thompson (Professor Sybil Trelawney)
Fiona Shaw (Petunia Dursley)
Gary Oldman (Sirius Black)
Maggie Smith (Professor Minerva McGonagall)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Shia LeBeouf, John Malkovich, Patrick Dempsey) in Theatres on June 29, 2011

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Hazel's
Rating: 2/5
Review: For me, this is the worst Transformers movie in the series. Yes the graphics was totally awesome but the story was too cliche and the dialogue between Shia and the new girl is too corny. I like Megan Fox better, she has more attitude. I guess too much attitude that she got kicked out of the Transformers franchise... tsk, tsk, tsk.

Audience
Rating: 4.4/5
Like the Movie: 90% (n=60,137)

Critics
Rating: 2.4/5
Like the Movie: 36% (n=227)


Reviews

"Transformers 2 was only worth watching for Megan Fox and some of the robots. I guess we're just down to the robots, now." - Lewis C

"The look of the movie is worth five stars, but when you stir in a one-star script, you end up somewhere in the middle." - Clem Bastow, The Vine

"Admittedly better than its predecessor, Michael Bay still hasn't learnt that impressive action sequences don't make up for woeful acting and no character development." - Anthony O'Connor, FILMINK (Australia)

"Bay has delivered another empty spectacle that is overlong and mostly tedious." - Thomas Caldwell, Cinema Autopsy

"A very long mess that's embarrassingly devoid of gut level thrills." - Catherine Bray, Film4

"These Transformer movies are nonsense, of course, but they allow Bay and his team to push the envelope as far as movie technology is concerned and at least you feel get a sense of the shock and awe of giant hulking metal creatures clashing." - Baz Bamigboye, Daily Mail [UK]

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon may not be a great film, but it is largely great fun. ... It's nice to see the Transformers exit the screen (at least for now) on a high rather than low note." - Jim Vejvoda, IGN Movies

"[It] might struggle to equal the sheer exhilaration of Bay's 2007 trilogy-starter, but it's a whole lot more coherent and fulfilling than Revenge Of The Fallen." - Nell Smith, Total Film

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon is a fantastic feast of all-action entertainment... the first big summer blockbuster is one worth catching." - Mark Adams, Daily Mirror [UK]


Movie Info

Shia LaBeouf returns as Sam Witwicky in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. When a mysterious event from Earth's past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us. -- (C) Paramount

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hr. 34 min.

Genre: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed By: Michael Bay

Written By: Ehren Kruger

Distributor: Paramount Studios

Cast
Shia LaBeouf (Sam Witwicky)
Josh Duhamel (Lt. Colonel William)
Tyrese Gibson (Sergeant Epps)
John Turturro (Simmons)
John Malkovich (Bruce)
Frances McDormand (Charlotte)
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (Carly Miller)
Patrick Dempsey (Dylan)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

Maybe you're wondering why Megan Fox is not in this Transformers movie anymore... Please CLICK HERE to find out =)

The Tree of Life (Brad Pitt, Sean Penn) in Theatres on June 22, 2011

The Tree of Life (2011)

Audience
Rating: 3.5/5
Like the Movie: 66% (n=25,320)

Critics
Rating: 4.1/5
Like the Movie: 86% (n=165)


Reviews

"What a transcendent achievement." - Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

"Terrence Malick's singularly deliberate style may prove unrewarding for some, but for patient viewers, Tree of Life is an emotional as well as visual treat." - rottentomatoes.com

"An audacious visual poet known for gently probing life's big questions, Malick has gone to the source of it all. He's gifted enough to bring out the spiritual dimensions of astrophysics." - Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News

"I've seen it twice now, and though this childhood was not my childhood, and my spiritual yearnings are not Malick's, "The Tree of Life" already has come to mean a great deal to me." - Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

"It's a flawed but impressive experiment, the sort of shoot-the-moon gamble that cinema can't do without." - Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star

"Here's a testament to this reclusive, stubborn, visionary director's stunning achievement: His films can change the way you look at the world by showing you how another person sees it." - Dana Stevens, Slate

"With disarming sincerity and daunting formal sophistication "The Tree of Life" ponders some of the hardest and most persistent questions, the kind that leave adults speechless when children ask them." - A.O. Scott, New York Times

"[Malick is] a meticulous visionary who knows where to place a camera, but he hasn't a clue about how to tell a story with simplicity and coherence." - Rex Reed, New York Observer

"This movie weighs so much, yet contains so little. It's all vault and little coin." - Wesley Morris, Boston Globe


Movie Info

From Terrence Malick, the acclaimed director of such classic films as Badlands, Days of Heaven and The Thin Red Line, The Tree of Life is the impressionistic story of a Midwestern family in the 1950's. The film follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack, through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father (Brad Pitt). Jack (played as an adult by Sean Penn) finds himself a lost soul in the modern world, seeking answers to the origins and meaning of life while questioning the existence of faith. Through Malick's signature imagery, we see how both brute nature and spiritual grace shape not only our lives as individuals and families, but all life. -- (C) Fox Searchlight

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hr. 18 min.

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

Directed By: Terrence Malick

Distributor: Fox Searchlight

Cast
Brad Pitt (Mr. O'Brien)
Sean Penn (Jack)
Jessica Chastain (Mrs. O'Brien)
Hunter McCracken (Young Jack)
Fiona Shaw (Grandmother)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

Green Lantern (Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively) in Theatres on June 16, 2011

Green Lantern (2011)

Hazel's
Rating: 2.5/5
Review: Though the effects were spectacular, the story, the acting were lacking. I had questions running through my mind like, "Why was it so easy for Hal to kill Parallax?" (The rest of the Green Lantern Corps couldn't and struggled so hard). "How come not one of the thousands of Lanterns tried to help save planet earth?" (They're the bad guys after all). Though I can relate to poor Dr. Hector Hammond, "I know what you're going through. You are not alone..."

Audience
Rating: 3.3/5
Like the Movie: 55% (n=91,258)

Critics
Rating: 2.3/5
Like the Movie: 26% (n=199)


Reviews

"The only reason you go to see a movie like this is the special effects and the fight scenes, right? It has both in spades and the 3D effects are good, too." - Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope

"Noisy, overproduced, and thinly written, Green Lantern squanders an impressive budget and decades of comics mythology." - rottentomatoes.com

"The result makes the movie seem assembled from bits and pieces of other superhero yarns rather than existing on a plane of its own." - James Berardinelli, ReelViews

"It's almost as if no one cared to try hard enough to tell a coherent and engaging story." - Laremy Legel, film.com

"A film that's all set-up and no pay-off: an origin story for a hero we don't much care for with an elaborate lore we have zero interest in, toplined by a star who's little more than a torso and a smirk." - Mark Samuels, Total Film

"Another comic-book hero hits the screen... and doesn't make a big enough splash" - Robert Denerstein, Movie Habit

"As a disjointed rumble in the cosmos, it's both too much and too little, and too dorky looking. In this case, Green means stop." - Tom Long, Detroit News

"A parlor game could be made out of how many times the word "fear" is uttered in Martin Campbell's superhero franchise non-starter." - Brett Michel, Boston Phoenix

"Some things are better shrugged off." - Keith Uhlich, Reverse Shot


Movie Info

Synopsis: In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. -- (C) Warner Bros

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 1 hr. 45 min.

Genre: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed By: Martin Campbell

Written By: Greg Berlanti, Michael Green (VII), Marc Guggenheim, Michael Goldenberg

Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures

Cast
Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern, Hal Jordan)
Blake Lively (Carol Ferris)
Peter Sarsgaard (Dr. Hector Hammond)
Mark Strong (Sinestro)
Tim Robbins (Senator Hammond)
Jay O Sanders (Carl Ferris)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

Super 8 (Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning) in Theatres on June 10, 2011

Super 8 (2011)

Audience
Rating:
Like to See the Movie: 92% (n=21,357)

Critics
Rating: 3.9/5
Like the Movie: 87% (n=23)


Reviews

"An engaging return trip to Steven Spielberg's youthful world of wonder courtesy of J.J. Abrams." - Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter

"It's so much fun to watch these cheeky, loveable kids pull together and navigate their way through this extraordinary adventure." - Matthew Toomey, ABC Radio Brisbane

"Super 8 is still fun, and often funny too. It's also entertaining, and sometimes even a little startling." - Ariel Katz, The Vine

"J.J. Abrams rekindles the child in all of us in this super film that is all at once sci-fi thriller, mystery adventure and coming of age story. It's got heart, too." - Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile

"Super 8" is made by young-minded adults who haven't lost their sense of inspiration for the magic of making movies from a child's perspective." - Cole Smithey, colesmithey.com

"While other filmmakers have been inspired by Spielberg to push the envelope, J.J. Abrams seems happy to try to make one like they used to, except not as successfully." - Tim Grierson, Screen International

"Super 8 is a noble effort that gets a lot right, and a lot wrong." - Jordan Hoffman, UGO


Movie Info

Synopsis: Writer/director J.J. Abrams teams with producer Steven Spielberg for this period sci-fi thriller set in the late '70s, and centering on a mysterious train crash in a small Ohio town. Summer, 1979: a group of young friends are filming a Super-8 movie when a pickup truck derails a speeding train. When the locals start to disappear and even the inquisitive deputy can't come up with answers, suspicions emerge that the incident was anything but an accident. As the truth finally begins emerge, no one is prepared to learn what now stalks the unsuspecting citizens of this once quiet community. Kyle Chandler and Elle Fanning star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 1 hr. 51 min.

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed By: J.J. Abrams

Written By: J.J. Abrams

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Cast
Kyle Chandler (Jackson Lamb)
Elle Fanning (Alice Dainard)
Dan Castellaneta (Izzy)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

Paul (Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen) in Theatres on June 1, 2011

Paul (2011)

Audience
Rating: 3.8/5
Like the Movie: 75% (n=59,955)

Critics
Rating: 3.2/5
Like the Movie: 71% (n=178)


Reviews

"If it's escapist fun you want, just go with Paul" - Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile

"A good-hearted, funny movie." - Linda Holmes, NPR

"While not as consistently funny or sharp as their previous pairings, Paul is a heartfelt tribute to friendship, what lies beyond the stars, and being a nerd." - Matt Neal, The Standard

"It doesn't measure up to Pegg and Frost's best work, but Paul is an amiably entertaining -- albeit uneven -- road trip comedy with an intergalactic twist." - rottentomatoes.com

"Paul is a fun tribute to sci-fi films (and film geekery in general), but did it have to be so ... dumb?" - Simon Miraudo, Quickflix

"The poster is cute, the trailer cuter. "Paul" the movie? Don't ask." - Glenn Lovell, CinemaDope

"Well, that's one joke. Ninety more minutes to go." - Rafer Guzman, Newsday


Movie Info

Synopsis: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) reunite for the comedy adventure Paul as two sci-fi geeks whose pilgrimage takes them to America's UFO heartland. While there, they accidentally meet an alien who brings them on an insane road trip that alters their universe forever. For the past 60 years, an alien named Paul (Seth Rogen) has been hanging out at a top-secret military base. For reasons unknown, the space-traveling smart ass decides to escape the compound and hop on the first vehicle out of town -- a rented RV containing Earthlings Graeme Willy (Pegg) and Clive Gollings (Frost). Chased by federal agents and the fanatical father of a young woman that they accidentally kidnap, Graeme and Clive hatch a fumbling escape plan to return Paul to his mother ship. And as two nerds struggle to help, one little green man might just take his fellow outcasts from misfits to intergalactic heroes. Paul is directed by Superbad's Greg Mottola, from a story by Pegg & Frost. Joining the comedy's cast are Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Blythe Danner, Joe Lo Truglio, John Carroll Lynch, David Koechner and Sigourney Weaver. -- (C) Universal

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min.

Genre: Art House & International, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

Directed By: Greg Mottola

Distributed By: Universal Pictures

Cast
Simon Pegg (Graeme Willy)
Nick Frost (Clive Gollings)
Seth Rogen (Paul)
Jason Bateman (Agent Zoil)
Kristen Wiig (Ruth Buggs)
Bill Hader (Haggard)
Blythe Danner (Tara Walton)
John Carroll Lynch (Moses Buggs)
Sigourney Weaver (The Big Guy)
Joe Lo Truglio (O'Reilly)
David Koechner (Gus)
Steven Spielberg (As Himself)
Jane Lynch (Pat Stevens)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

X-Men: First Class (James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon) in Theatres on June 2, 2011

Presenting the Characters...

If not available, please watch on YouTube
What powers do you want to have? Who do you want to be? =)


X-Men: First Class (2011)

Hazel's
Rating: 3/5
Review: When I was a kid, I would never miss an episode of the X-Men cartoons. I watched all the movies in theaters and would definitely not miss this epic beginning. I watched two movies in one day... this and Green Lantern (this one's better by the way). Amidst the great reviews, I just found the movie okay. It was not that spectacular but at least it clearly explained how it all started... hmmm, so that's why Professor X is now on a wheelchair... Oh and for me, the most unforgettable scene in the movie is when the coin slowly, excruciatingly went through Kevin Bacon's head. Uuugggghhhh!!!

Audience
Rating: 4.1/5
Like to See the Movie: 89% (n=111,325)

Critics:
Rating: 3.7/5
Like the Movie: 86% (n=228)


Reviews

"Taking the story back to its roots, Vaughn has made some shrewd decisions, reflected in the superb cast (McAvoy and Fassbender stand out) and the use of Cold War context, which evokes the early, much admired James Bond pictures." - Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

"We know that story so well, and yet somehow Vaughn has made it feel fresh and new again." - Scott Collura, IGN Movies

"First Class takes the X-Men story back to its roots and is just the kick in the pants the series needed. It is smart, spectacular, never cheesy, often thrilling and always incredibly entertaining." - Allan Hunter, Daily Express

"X-Men: First Class is a rock-solid piece of storytelling." - Paul Verhoeven, The Vine

"This grandiose globetrotting fantasy boasts plentiful action spectacle and effective character-based drama set in an age of civil unrest and Cold War paranoia." - Alan Jones, Radio Times

"A droplet of vintage Bond DNA, a molecule of Mad Men cool, fused with the vibrant, adrenalised spin on superheroics he injected into Kick-Ass." - Nick Setchfield, SFX Magazine

"Big and bold and aggressively told, it feels to me like this is the first film in a brand-new franchise, and I think Fox just got it right, really right, in a way they haven't on any of their Marvel films so far." - Drew McWeeny, HitFix


Movie Info

Synopsis: X-MEN: FIRST CLASS unveils the epic beginning of the X-Men saga - and a secret history of the Cold War and our world at the brink of nuclear Armageddon. As the first class discovers, harnesses, and comes to terms with their formidable powers, alliances are formed that will shape the eternal war between the heroes and villains of the X-Men universe. - (c) Fox

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hr. 11 min.

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

Directed By: Matthew Vaughn

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Cast
James McAvoy (Professor Charles Xavier)
Michael Fassbender (Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto)
January Jones (Emma Frost)
Rose Byrne (Dr. Moira MacTaggert)
Oliver Platt (Man in Black)
Kevin Bacon (Sebastian Shaw)
Jennifer Lawrence (Raven Darkholme / Mystique)
Nicholas Hoult (Hank McCoy / Beast)
Lucas Till (Alex Summers / Havok)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" (Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz) in Theatres on May 20, 2011

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Audience
Rating: 3.7/5
Like the Movie: 67% (n=99,123)

Critics
Rating: 2.5/5
Like the Movie: 33% (n=221)


Reviews:

"Captain Jack Sparrow is back in excellent form for his fourth adventure in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, which is more serious in the hands of a new director, Rob Marshall, and thanks to Penelope Cruz it's also a good deal sexier." - Ray Bennett, Hollywood Reporter

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides serves as a welcome corrective, reviving the fun, feather-light frivolity that any film based on a Disneyland ride ought to exhibit." - Andrew Barker, Variety

"It's shorter and leaner than the previous sequel, but this Pirates runs aground on a disjointed plot and a non-stop barrage of noisy action sequences." - rottentomatoes.com

"The movie is a series of distractions tossed together in the hopes that they will come together in a coherent story. That never really happens." - Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

"Repetitious, tedious, and pretty much joyless, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" strains to reboot what was up until now a generally fun and always profitable cinematic enterprise." - Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

"Pirates 4 struggles to stay afloat but finally sinks under the weight of its computer-rendered fakery, which the addition of 3-D does absolutely nothing to improve." - Peter Howell, Toronto Star

"The pirates of the Caribbean are back, and this time they've given up on the doubloons and galleons to plunder something really precious. Our time." Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger

"Its one real act of piracy is stealing away your excitement." - Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly


Movie Info

Synopsis: Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he's not sure if it's love-or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the "Queen Anne's Revenge," the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past. -- (C) Disney

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hr. 17 min.

Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

Directed By: Rob Marshall

Written By: Ted Elliot, Terry Rossio

Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures

Cast
Johnny Depp (Captain Jack Sparrow)
Penelope Cruz (Angelica)
Ian McShane (Blackbeard)
Geoffrey Rush (Captain Hector Barbossa)

"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

"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