"The Movie 411" Blog Awards 2010: VOTE FOR CINEMARVELLOUS!

"The Movie 411" Blog Awards 2010

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[6.75/10] Going the Distance (2010)

Going the Distance (2010)

"Going the Distance" unfolds around Erin and Garrett, young couple very much in love. When Erin moves to San Francisco to finish her journalism degree and Garrett stays behind in New York to work in the music industry, they gamely keep their romance alive with webcams and frequent-flyer miles. However, just when it seems the lovers will be soon be reunited, Erin and Garrett both score big breaks that could break them up for good. Sure, "Going the Distance" doesn't have the most original plot in the world, but it's hysterically funny, gripping and thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy, thanks to its superbly-written script, incredible cast and likable characters. Fortunately, there's nothing rushed or exaggerated about this film - everything feels believable and natural, and it all falls into place with little or no effort at all. Acting from the two leads is definitely one of the film's highlights. Drew Barrymore and Justin Long are not only adorable, delightful and undeniably talented comedians, but they make a truly great on-screen couple, as they share great chemistry and their romance feels very sincere and real. As the couple's relationship unfolds, their friends and families become involved, and the result is simply hilarious. "Going the Distance" contains a lot of laugh-out-loud scenes that cause great laughter and some genuinely funny situations sure to put a smile on your face. The 'sex on dining table' sequence as well as the final scene deserve a special mention. The supporting cast also deliver. Erin's neurotic sister, Corinne, is played fantastically over-the-top by Christina Applegate. Every time she appears on screen, she steals the show with her charm, witty temper and hilarious sense of humor. Despite her minor role, Applegate is so good and so fun to watch, she almost outshines the two leads. Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day as Garrett's best friends are as quirky as they're funny. Furthermore, "Going the Distance" is well-structured, nicely-shot and set in different locations, which makes it an even more pleasant experience and an absolute delight to watch. With its clever, witty script, and wonderful performances from Christina Applegate and the two leads, "Going the Distance" is, hands down, the most entertaining and amusingly hilarious rom-com released recently, and one of year's most pleasant surprises.

[4.50/10] Charlie St. Cloud (2010)

Charlie St. Cloud (2010)

Based on the best-selling book by Ben Sherwood, "Charlie St. Cloud" follows a young man and accomplished sailor, Charlie St. Cloud, who survives an accident that lets him see the world in a unique way. Charlie has the adoration of his mother Claire and little brother Sam, as well as a college scholarship that will lead him far from his sleepy Pacific Northwest hometown. But his bright future is cut short when a tragedy strikes and takes his dreams with it. Let's face it - the 'I-see-dead-people' premise is so overused, tired and uninteresting, that it just doesn't work anymore. This automatically makes "Charlie St. Cloud" a dull and uninspired movie, despite Zack Efron's solid performance and some nice scenery along the way. Probably film's biggest problem is, that it feels very indeterminate genre-wise, as it tries to be dramatic, romantic and funny at the same time, but fails to be anything at all. Besides, it adds a lot of supernatural elements to it just to get even messier. Apart from the weak and rather boring story, "Charlie St. Cloud" is has a good cast of young actors, that deliver passable performances and it also features great cameos from the gorgeous Kim Bassinger and the talented Ray Liotta. Zack Efron's is particularly impressive! He's not only eye-candy for the female audience, but he also gives a very convincing and emotional performance as the title character, showcasing a huge variety of human emotions and facial expressions. Newcomer Charlie Tahan is decent and likable as Charlie's little brother, Sam, and Amanda Crew as Charlie's love interest also delivers a good and very natural performance. "Charlie St. Cloud" lacks energy and dynamic, as it's a bit too slow-paced and clumsily-filmed, but on a positive note, it offers an alluring scenery and some stunning locations. Visually-captivating and well-acted, yet uneven, hardly compelling, and ultimately forgettable, "Charlie St. Cloud" is a beyond mediocre effort, that fails to deliver on almost every level.

[7.50/10] The Town (2010)

The Town (2010)

Adapted from Chuck Hogan's novel "Prince of Thieves", "The Town" revolves around Doug MacRay, born and grown up in Charlestown, a working neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts. It is an area where crime is part of everyday life. Charleston is basically the crime capital of the world, where carjacking, kidnapping and armed robberies are common things. Even more, the secret of the criminal crime are handled over from father to son. Doug is the leader of a bank robber group who managed so far to get out clean after every single bank robbery. Furthermore, MacRay gets romantically involved with a woman who doesn't know that he was her captor during group's latest bank heist. Just like his 'colleagues', George Clooney and Clint Eastwood, Ben Affleck is a much better director than an actor, and "The Town" proves exactly that. His second directional effort is arguably one of the better 'heist' movies of the last decade, as it's a smartly-scripted and subtly-photographed crime thriller, that while a bit moody at times, is consistently gripping and also quite intriguing to watch. The plot itself is nothing groundbreaking, but it's still solid and well-executed, and combined with some great performances and Ben Affleck's admirable directional skills, make this film a must see. "The Town" is generally very basic, visually, but very atmospheric at the same time, as the cinematographer uses pale colors and a washed out palette to create an atmosphere that feels quite appropriate for film's subject matter. Plus, the production design is excellent and complements the overall look of the movie. In terms of action, the chase sequences are brilliantly-shot and quite intense and definitely one of film's highlights. The acting is also one of the film's strongest aspects. Special mention goes to Jeremy Renner, who deliver a truly creepy and disturbing, yet incredible performance as the troubled James Coughlin, and he steals the show in every scene he appears in. Rebecca Hall's acting is nothing exceptional, but she does a great job as Claire Keesey, and she delivers a much better performance than her overrated Golden Globe-nominated turn in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". Ben Affleck's acting is average at best - there's nothing wrong with it, but nothing memorable either. Jon Hamm is credible and very convincing as FBI S.A. Adam Frawley. Smoothly-paced, competently-shot and often intense, "The Town" pretty much has everything a proper 'heist' movie should have.

[6.00/10] Eat Pray Love [Director's Cut] (2010)

Eat Pray Love (2010)
[Director's Cut]

Based on Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir of the same name, "Eat Pray Love" tells the story of Liz Gilbert, who had everything a woman is supposed to want - a husband, a house, a successful career - but it just ain't enough. Newly divorced and at a crossroads, Gilbert steps out of her comfort zone and embarks on a journey around the world that becomes a quest for self-discovery. In her travels, she discovers the true pleasures of food in Italy; the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Bali. Unfortunately, Ryan Murphy's adaptation works better in parts than as a whole, but overall, the film is nicely-shot, smoothly-paced and quite easy to watch despite its overlong running time. "Eat Pray Love" relies mostly on its gorgeous scenery and Julia Roberts' charismatic lead performance and this is where the movie succeeds best. Roberts' undeniable charm and captivating screen presence combined with the invariable naturalness of her acting create a believable character that tells a believable story, but sadly the story itself is rather ordinary, and there's nothing special or very memorable about it. The New York sequences aren'tparticularly interesting, except for the fact that James Franco appears, and he delivers a great performance as David Piccolo. The part shot in Italy is all about eating and it's my second favorite segment of the movie, as the scenery is stunningly ravishing, the characters are thoroughly likable and the food/eating scenes are superbly-shot, capturing the essence of Italian traditions and culture quite brilliantly. The part in India is easily the weakest and the least interesting of all three. It's visually exotic, and yet the messy and dirty streets of India are somewhat repulsive and not very unpleasant to watch, just like the segment itself. It's way too slow, a bit pretentious and pretty unexciting, and I honestly couldn't wait it to end. However, the part in Bali somewaht compensates the dullness of part two. Once again, the scenery is simply breathtaking and at times even dream-like, and the characters are sympathetic and credible, as are the interactions between them. Part three is all about love, and you can feel that. Javier Bardem's appearance is like a breath of fresh air to the movie - his character, Felipe, is charismatic, kind and caring and a pure joy to watch. Plus, the on-screen chemistry between him and Roberts is strong and quite believable. 'Bali' is not only the most romantic, visually-stunning and feel-good part of "Eat Pray Love", but also the best. The director's cut features approximately 15 minutes of never-before-seen footage not shown in the theatrical version. "Eat Pray Love" is far from great, but thanks to its fantastic visuals and Julia Roberts' star power, the film is engaging, decently enjoyable and pretty to look at.

[8.50/10] The Reef (2010)

The Reef (2010)

Full review: "Black Water" director Andrew Traucki delivers this marvellously-crafted predator flick, that follows Luke, who welcomes his friend Matt and his girlfriend Suzie that come from London and Matt’s sister and Luke’s former girlfriend Kate that comes from Sydney to sail with him and the sailor Warren in a sailboat. However, the vessel hits an underwater rock and capsizes with an opening on her bottom. Luke advises that they should swim in the north direction to reach the Turtle Island, in Queensland, Australia, while they have strength since there is a current moving the boat in the opposite direction of land but Warren prefers to stay on the hull waiting for help since there are sharks in the water. The quartet swims, but they are hunted by a great white shark. "The Reef" may seem quite similar to Chris Kentis's shark feature "Open Water", but in fact it's a far superior film in many ways. Visually, "The Reef" is surprisingly slick and incredibly well-photographed! Andrew Traucki proves himself as a fantastic and very gifted director with great sense for detail. His incredible eye for aesthetic images, perfect camera skills and brilliant shooting style make him a virtuoso behind the camera. His open water and panoramic shots are as brilliant and stunning as his underwater shots, and the variety of camera angles he uses is just as impressive. Thanks to his genuine talent and great skills, "The Reef" is not your regular shark movie, but a gorgeously-crafted horror flick, that is as beautiful as it's thrilling. Moreover, he's capable of creating a great, massive tension, that makes your heart pump hard, and breathe heavy, especially during the attack scenes, which are frighteningly realistic, tense and very well-executed. The shark itself looks 100% real, and it's bigger, scarier and meaner than the sharks in "Open Water". The story, while nothing groundbreaking, is perfectly-paced and consistently engrossing throughout, without a single dull moment. Acting-wise, "The Reef" truly delivers. Adrienne Pickering, Zoe Naylor, Gyton Grantley and Damian Walshe-Howling are all equally good and credible as the four friends, isolated in the middle of the ocean and terrified to death by the giant white shark that hunts them. They're so convincing in their roles, that it's hard to say who stands out the most. Their characters are well-developed, sympathetic and thoroughly believable, and all the actors project a wide range of emotions, such as genuine fear, frustration and despair, as victims of an unfortunate fate.

Overall summary: It's no "Jaws", but Andrew Traucki's "The Reef" is a brilliantly-shot, incredibly realistic, and super-intense edge-of-your-seat horror flick, that easily ranks among the best shark-themed films of all time, and is every bit as stunning and compelling as it's terrifying!

[4.00/10] Needle (2010)

Needle (2010)

This Aussie horror film titled "Needle" unfolds around Ben Rutherford, a young college student, who inherits a small antique machine known as "La Vaudou Vaudou Mort" from his late father's estate. He shows the mysterious machine off to a group of his close friends who are suitably impressed, but he returns to his dorm room one day to find that the machine has gone missing! He suspects that one of his friends has stolen it, but who? The next day his estranged older brother Marcus, a forensic photographer, turns up with some terrible news - Ben's best friend, Ryan, has been gruesomely killed, ripped apart from the inside by some unexplainable force. Do not get mislead by the well-designed poster or by film's promising title, because "Needle" is a generic, dull and terribly-executed horror flick that has almost nothing to offer. Furthermore, "Needle" suffers from poor acting and script, flat and one-dimensional characters, and director's complete lack of ideas and imagination. The story has been done hundred times before and better, and it's so disappointingly predictable and unintriguing, that the audience can easily lose interest quickly, and worst of all it leads to a unbelievably ridiculous twist ending, that's neither shocking nor effective enough to compensate plot's weaknesses. The atrocious acting from all the young Aussie cast involved, 'contributes' to the overall awfulness of "Needle". Michael Dorman as the main protagonist, Ben Rutherford, is so bland and expressionless, that he hardly evokes any interest and sympathy from the viewer. Former fashion model Travis Fimmel does a fairly decent job as the outcasted brother of Ben, but he relies more on his physical beauty rather than his acting skills. Jessica Marais, Trilby Glover and Tahyna Tozzi who play the female characters in this film are all terrible and actually quite annoying to watch. Technically, the film also does not make a big impression. John V. Soto's direction is pretty uninspired, the visuals are quite ordinary, and the overall look of the film is nothing-to-write-home-about. However, the death scenes are surprisingly well-handled, moderately gory and even gruesome at times, but they're not enough to save this film from being a complete lackluster. Unimaginative, badly-crafted and often boring, "Needle" provides very little mystery, zero thrills, zero scares, and even less originality.

[9.25/10] Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Based on Bryan Lee O'Malley's comic book of the same name, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" follows the eponymous slacker rocker on his colorful quest to defeat his dream girl's seven evil ex-boyfriends. Combining an original story, quirky characters, stunning CGIs and spectacular fight sequences, Edgar Wright's "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" provides a unique and extraordinary cinematic experience you won't soon forget. This is not only the first film in history that looks like an actual video game, but it's the first that perfectly blends comedy, romance, martial arts, fantasy and musical in one. "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"' may not has the most substantial plot ever, but its certainly has an extremely witty and hilarious script that delicately burlesques pretty much everything in a very unique sort of way, and most importantly, the film never takes itself seriously. However, film's main strengths are its flashy visuals, cartoonish special effects and stylishly-choreographed action, accompanied by Wright's incredibly inventive editing style. The editing really needs a special mention, as it's absolutely sensational, as is Edgar Wright's creative direction, that seems inspired by the genius films of Chinese filmmaker, Stephen Chow. The martial arts choreography is absolutely first-rate and the fight scenes are impressively well-handled and deliciously over-the-top and an absolute joy to watch. The cast also delivers. Michael Cera brings his quirky charm to the title character, plus he does an amazing job of performing the Matrix-like action choreography - Michael shows some surprisingly good fight skills and it seems impressively effortless for him. Mary Elizabeth Winstead as the eccentric-haired Ramona Flowers is as captivating as she's charming, Culkin is hilarious as Pilgrimd's gay roommate, Chris Evans is meant for his role as the action star and evil ex, Lucas Lee, and Ellen Wong as the sensitive Knives Chau brings most of the laughs. All the evil ex-es are delightfully villainous and well-portrayed, with Jason Schwartzman as Gideon Graves and Brandon Routh as Todd Ingram being the standouts. Totally refreshing, wildly imaginative, extremely funny, and spectacularly dazzling, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" is the most original and visually-unique movie since Stephen Chow's cartoonish martial arts extravaganza, "Kung Fu Hustle", and almost like nothing you have seen before.

[7.75/10] The Kids Are All Right (2010)

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

In Lisa Cholodenko'a well-acclaimed drama, two teenage children conceived by artificial insemination, get the notion to seek out their birth father and introduce him into the family life that their two mothers have built for them. Once the donor is found, the household will never be the same, as family ties are defined, re-defined, and then re-re-defined. "The Kids Are All Right" may not have the most original plot or best visuals, but it's a smartly-scripted, fantastically-acted and enormously interesting family drama that feels incredibly realistic, emotional and down-to-earth. "The Kids Are All Right" is strictly character-driven and it's led by excellent performances from a hugely-talented ensemble cast. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore are both incredible as the lesbian mothers, Nic and Jules, and their relationship feels credible, sincere and very likable. The bitter-sweet interactions between them are filled with such a believability, it's overwhelming. Mark Ruffalo is simply perfect for his role as the carel-free sperm donor and father of the kids, Paul. His performance isn't exactly amazing, but his possesses an unexplainable manipulative charm, that makes him so captivating and so alluring, it's hard to take your eyes off of him, when he's on screen. Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson both do a good job as the kids who are "all right", with Mia Wasikowska in particular being the standout, as she delivers a very sensitive, yet tough performance as Joni - a character that feels more mature and intelligent than her age implies. Josh Hutcherson is like a rough diamond - he's potentionally very good, but his acting skills are still not polished enough. Lisa Cholodenko's direction is spot-on competent, the editing is skillful, and the pacing while slow it's pretty flawless. Also, Cholodenko shows a keen eye for visual, giving the movie a distinctly fuzzy, grainy look with pale and washed-out color palette, that perfectly captures the shimmering mood of the film. Simple, realistic, nicely-shot and amazingly-performed, "The Kids Are All Right" is a serious Oscar contender and, without any doubt, one of year's best dramas.

[8.00/10] Easy A (2010)

Easy A (2010)

In this modern-day version of "The Scarlet Letter", Olive Penderghast, who on the heels of a little white lie about losing her virginity, finds that her new-found bad-girl rap has an upside: she is finally getting noticed. Olive decides to exploit her "easy" reputation and use the school rumor mill to advance her social status. But life starts to spin hilariously out of control, and there is only one boy who sees through her vixen veneer to the heart of it. "Easy A" is without a doubt the smartest teen comedy in years. It shines with its absolutely refreshing and clever story, witty script, terrific performances and countless funny and very smart one-liners. While it doesn't take itself too seriously, there is a truthfulness about it, since it credibly portrays the young generation, as it doesn't afraid to show how exactly most teenagers act and behave nowadays. However, "Easy A" is all about Emma Stone! If you think she was great in "Zombieland", then wait to see her in this one. She gets an easy "A" for her outrageously terrific performance as Olive. Emma not only has an amazing comedic talent, but she carries the whole movie on her shoulders, nailing her playful character perfectly. She's natural, intelligent and thoroughly believable, and she possesses an extraordinary physical beauty that makes her even more captivating to watch. This is, hands down, one of the best female performances of the year! The supporting cast is incredible as well, and a pure joy to watch. Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson are both excellent and extremely funny as the liberal open-minded quirky parents. Penn Badgley as Olive's love interest, Todd, is believable as he's charming, Aly Michalka is hilarious as her sex-obsessed best friend, and Dan Byrd as her gay classmate is humorous, charming and likable. Futhermore, "Easy A" is nicely-shot, creatively-edited and perfectly-paced, which makes the overall experience even more engaging. Clever, witty, outrageously funny and wonderfully-acted, "Easy A" is easily the best and most original teen flick since Mark Waters' comedic masterpiece, "Mean Girls".

[5.00/10] You Again (2010)

You Again (2010)

Marni, a successful PR professional finds out her brother, Will is on the verge of marrying Joanna - her high school rival, who made her life a living hell. In her teens, Marni was a little clumsy, but now she is a career woman with success. Despite of her current success, she is still haunted by the memories of those old days when she was tormented by cheerleader Joanna, making her to weak up in cold sweat. Judging from the trailer "You Again" looked like it was going to be one pretty hilarious flick full of great laughs, but unfortunately, despite its very likable, charming and talented cast, this comedy is only occasionally funny and mostly forgettable. The story feels too contrived, as there are way too many ridiculous coincidences, and it's not especially original or very credible. The jokes are typical for a chick-flick like this, and although there are some funny moments here and there, they mostly fail to evoke genuine laughter from the audience. However, performance-wise, "You Again" succeeds admirably. For the first time together on screen, Sigourney Weaver and Jamie Lee Curtis shine in every scene they appear, and it's hard to say which one of them is better. They both look great for their age, they're fun to watch and they definitely can act incredibly well, even in a formulaic comedy like this one. Kristen Bell possesses an undeniable charm, and her acting is getting better and better with each movie. She does a good job as Marni . Odette Yustman is gorgeous and truly eye-candy, but her performance is mediocre at best, and her character, Joanna, is just not interesting enough. TV star, James Wolk, looks a bit too stiff in front of the camera, probably because this is his first role in a feature-length theatrical film. Betty White steals the show everytime she's on screen, as she deliver most of the laughs. Technically, "You Again" is pretty decent - the pacing is fine, as is the editing, Andy Fickman's direction is bright, fresh and engaging, and David Hennings' cinematography pleases the eye. By-the-numbers and thoroughly predictable, yet charming and easy to watch, "You Again" engages with great cast, but sadly, it doesn't provide many laugh.

[7.25/10] Heartless (2010)

Heartless (2010)

"Heartless" follows Jamie, a troubled young man with a birthmark on his face, which has left him feeling isolated and fearful, hiding from the world outside. He lives in the East End of London, an area notorious for its violent hooded gangs. According to news reports, the gangs are now wearing demon masks. But, one night, Jamie discovers the terrifying truth: the gangs are not wearing masks. They are real demons. And when Jamie's mother is killed by them in a brutal attack, he realizes he can no longer hide away. Jamie vows vengeance and turns vigilante. But the world outside is more of a nightmare than he ever imagined. Director Philip Ridley blends drama with horror elements perfectly, and as a result, his "Heartless" is a surreal experience, a trip into darkness that mesmerizes with its subtlety, dark mood, grim visuals and compelling characters. Jim Sturgess delivers a truly captivating performance as Jamie Morgan - he gives his full range of emotions, making the audience feel connected with his character throughout the film. In fact, he's so convincing in his role, it makes you constantly think and wonder, if what's happening is real, or if he's a mentally disororderd young man, who's anti-social isolated life has affected his brain and made his imagination explode. Joseph Mawle gives a fierce, chilling and downright terrifying performance as Papa B, and he owns the screen in every scene he appears. The little girl, who's devil's little apprentice, but also Jamie's guardian 'angel' is not only adorable, but also very good in her role. Noel Clarke as A.J. has very limited screen time, but he portrays a very sympathetic character. Technically, "Heartless" also impresses. The visuals are gloomy, grim and mute-colored, yet striking and quite appropriate for film's dark mood and even darker subject matter, and Philip Ridley's competent direction is intense and artistically-mounted. All in all, Philip Ridley's latest effort is a unique, different, thrilling and thoroughly gripping character-driven horror drama, that is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air in the genre, and stands out amongst all the crappy horror flicks released recently.

[5.00/10] Saw [3D] (2010)

Saw [3D] (2010)

OK, so first things first... I'm an absolute "Saw" hater! I gave the original "Saw" 4.5 stars out 0f 10, as I thought it was poorly-shot, horribly-acted, dull, drab and visually-ugly torture porn flick, with one of the most laughably ridiculous twist endings in film history. I gave the second installment 5 stars out of 10, as I found it slightly better-crafted, yet still pretty mediocre. As for the other four installments in the series, well, I've rated them even lower than the previous ones. Anyway, I've seen all "Saw" films, just because I was curious to see how much worse this franchise can get. Surprisingly for me, the 7th and hopefully the final entry wasn't as terrible as I expected it to be. Picking up where the 6th film left off, "Saw 3D" details the exploits of serial killer Jigsaw's surviving victims, who seek counseling from a self-help mentor, played by Sean Patrick Flanery, whose past as a previous victim figures directly into each one's fate. The story is weak and all over the place, which is very typical for a "Saw" film, but the pacing is kinda smooth and steady, and the editing is decent, which makes it surprisingly easy to follow. Acting-wise, "Saw 3D" is a pure and utter crap. Sean Patrick Flanery is somewhat good-looking and he physically reminds me a lot of Edward Norton, but he is literally the worst actor ever. Seriously! His acting is so fake, stiff and wooden, it's embarrassing. Costas Mandylor as Hoffman is cold-faced and lifeless as usual, but I didn't bother me. Betsy Russell looks great for her age, but she has zero acting abilities. Tobin Bell as Jigsaw barely shows up in this installment, and thank God for that. On a positive note, the traps are extremely well-designed and well-staged, especially the one in the opening scene, since it was the first-ever 'in public', and the trap in the service-station sequence, which is probably the nastiest and the most creative death scene in the entire series. Gore geeks will have plenty to cheer about, as "Saw 3D" offers gobs of gore, guts, blood , nasty and repulsive deaths, and it's so graphic, it leaves nothing to imagination. Director Kevin Greutert blends very well practical with digital effects during the traps and the death scenes, and in terms of that, the film really succeeds. This is the first and probably the last of the installments 'shot in 3D', and I have to admit, that the 3D effects are surprisingly good and pretty effective, and they make the tortures and deaths look even more brutal, gruesome and nasty. The final twist of the series isn't the most shocking or the most unexpected, since many fans guessed it a while ago, but it's still a somewhat satisfying conclusion for all "Saw" admirers, and even for the haters, like me. Atrociously-acted and illogically-plotted, yet fun to watch and quite entertaining, "Saw 3D" offers some pretty cool and creative death scenes and excellent 3D effects, but nothing much else. It's mediocre like the first two, but notch better then the previous four.

[6.75/10] Ramona and Beezus (2010)

Ramona and Beezus (2010)

Based on Beverly Cleary's "Ramona" series of children's novels, "Ramona and Beezus", unfolds around Ramona, who’s vivid imagination, boundless energy, and accident-prone antics are put to the test when she helps her family face its biggest challenge. Along the way, Ramona must deal with her over-achieving older sister Beezus and the on-again, off-again romance between her Aunt Bea and Bea’s former beau. "Ramona and Beezus"'s plot may be nothing groundbreaking or extremely original, but it is a joy to watch and consistently entertaining. Moreover, the film is filled with so many engaging and likable characters, itput a constant smile on my face. Little Joey King as one of the title characters delivers the 'show stealer' performance of the movie, as she's fun, energetic, smart, quirky, lively, creative and absolutely extraordinary as Ramona. Joey's only 11, but she has such a strong screen presence, it's unbelievable. Plus, she's adorable and cute as a button. Definitely, the best child performance of the year! Selena Gomez is such a beautiful and sweet girl, that her charm and charisma draw attention every time she appears on screen. Furthermore, she's a decent actress. John Corbett and Bridget Moynahan are also likable and very believable as the parents. John Corbett's character in particular is so kind, positive and caring, he should receive the "Father of the Year" award. Ginnifer Goodwin is just as amiable as Aunt Bea, and Josh Duhamel's charm and handsomeness add to the overall 'sweetness' of the movie. Elizabeth Allen's direction is imaginative and uplifting, the pacing is smooth, John Bailey's cinematography pleases the eye, and Ramona's 'dreamy' sequences are wonderfully-handled. Bright, lighthearted, hugely enjoyable and fantastically-performed, "Ramona and Beezus" is the cutest and the most feel-good movie of the year. Absolutely "teriffical"!

[7.00/10] Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)

Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)

This sequel (or more a prequel) to last fall's box office sensation, "Paranormal Activity", takes place a few months before the events of the first film, where relatives of Katie Featherston are violently haunted when an evil spirit arrives to wreak havoc in the dead of night and terrorize the family, including Katie's baby nephew, Hunter. "Paranormal Activity 2" is almost on par with its predecessor, and although the first part is repetitive and mildly interesting, as the film progresses the tension and suspense slowly build up, and it culminates in its final part, as it turns into a nightmarishly spooky fright-fest - just like in the original, the last fifteen minutes of this film are absolutely terrifying and the ending is way more satisfying than the one in the first. Well, at least for me. The scariest thing about this franchise is that everything feels so believable and seems so realistic, it makes you think that all this could happen in real life. But, after all, that's the main strength of moc-doc horror flims, right? "Paranormal Activity 2"'s bigger budget is obvious, as it's more slickly-made than its predecessor, it's technically better overall, and it has a bigger cast. The actors perform their parts admirably and the characters in the film are well-developed and genuinely believable, especially Molly Ephraim, who deserves a big credit for her performance as Ali Rey - she's terrified by what is happening in her home, and yet she seems strong and courageous in her actions. Sprague Grayden and Brian Boland as the other two lead characters, also do a fantastic job. Effective, believable and at times brilliantly terrifying, "Paranormal Activity 2" is a rare sequel that not only complements the original, but also works on its own. It successfully feeds your fear, leaving almost everything to the imagination.

[5.00/10] Lottery Ticket (2010)

Lottery Ticket (2010)

"Lottery Ticket", the latest 'hit-and-miss' comedy starring Bow Wow revolves around Kevin Carson, a young man living in the projects, wins $370 million in a nationwide lottery. When his opportunistic neighbors discover he has the winning ticket in his possession, Kevin must survive their greedy and sometimes even threatening actions over a three-day holiday weekend before he can claim his prize. Despite its tired premise and thoroughly predictable plot, "Lottery Ticket" is a an enjoyable, funny and easy to watch, mainly due to Bow Wow's charismatic performance, likable secondary characters, lowbrow humor, lots of silly, yet hilarious situations. and entertaining chase sequences This type of story has been done a million times before (and better), but a charming all black cast helps to save this film from being terrible. Bow Wow is undoubtedly an adorable charmer, and he absolutely owns the screen as the fortunate lottery winner, Kevin Carson. He does act fairly well, and truly captivates the audience with his charismatic presence. Brandon T. Jackson as Kevin's best friend, Benny, also does a good job, as he gives an energetic and temperamental performance. Naturi Naughton as Stacie is probably the most likable character - she's smart and sober-thinking, yet sweet, natural and very sincere. Loretta Devine is fantastically over-the-top as Grandma, although here character is a bit too stereotypical. Ice Cube as Mr. Washington steals the show every time he appears - he's not only wise and calm, but he also kicks ass. Too cliched and predictable to be good, yet too cute and watchable to be bad, "Lottery Ticket" falls somewhere in between.

[6.00/10] Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)

Wall Street:
Money Never Sleeps (2010)

Twenty three years after the original "Wall Street" movie, acclaimed director, Oliver Stone, delivers a decent sequel, that unfolds around Gordon Gekko, who two decades after being imprisoned for insider trading is set free, profiting on his infamy as an author and public speaker. At a time when the market is crumbling and those working on Wall Street are scrambling to catch a break, Gekko is approached by Jacob, a young trader looking for Gekko’s guidance. "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" deals with the global recession and how it reflects on Wall Street stock market, which is a very current subject at this moment, since this financial crisis is surging the whole world. And while the world struggles with recession, Oliver Stone's "Wall Street" sequel suffers from other problems, like a slightly confusing narrative, an overwritten script and lackluster editing. However, "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" is never boring, thanks to a solid acting from the entire cast, interesting characters and brisk dialogues. Since, this sequel is more charactar-driven, the performances are film's main strength. Michael Douglas steals the show every time he's given screen time - he's charismatic and truly captivating as the manipulative Gekko. Shia LaBeouf is one of my favorite 'young generation' actors - he's so energetic and so emotional as an actor, he's always a pleasure to watch. Plus, the on-screen chemistry between Douglas and LaBeouf is undeniebly strong. Carey Mulligan was absolutely amazing in "An Education", but here as Gekko's daughter, she's is.. well... pretty average. Susan Sarandon proves yet again what an incredible actress she is, as she totally shines here, despite the minor role she was given. Stone's directing is typically good, yet a bit unfocused, and the cinematography is top-notch - the amazing sweeping shots of stunning Manhattan give the film an extremely slick, stylish and expensive look. "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" may be 'too much talking and not enough action', but it's nicely-shot, well-acted and fairly gripping sequel, that somehow satisfies.

[4.75/10] 13Hrs (2010)

13Hrs (2010)

In Jonathan Glendening's latest film, Sarah Tyler returns to her troubled family home in the isolated countryside, for a much put-off visit. As a storm rages outside, Sarah, her family and friends shore up for the night, cut off from the outside world. But something comes out of the driving rain and darkness. Something that holds a dark secret so devastating that, in one night, it could wipe out the entire family. "13Hrs" starts out promising but eventually begins to unravel, only to end disappointingly anti-climactic. Actually, it could have been a fairly decent horror flick, if the conclusion wasn't so ridiculous. It's pretty intense most of the time, simply because neither the characters nor the audience know till the very last moment what creature is haunting them. There are some really thrilling and frightening scenes, that are effective and a total 'chill givers'. "13Hrs" is also utterly claustrophobic, not only because it's shot in a creepy isolated house in a small town, but also because the characters hide themselves in a pitch black attic and super-tight tunnels. Sadly, plot grows weaker as the film progresses, and the ending, while completely unexpected, is such a let down, it almost ruins the entire movie. The acting is sub-par, with the exception of Isabella Calthorpe as the main protagonist, Sarah Tyler, who turns in a very decent performance. The rest of the characters are mostly one-dimensional and pretty unlikable. The low budget is more than obvious, as "13Hrs" lacking in production values, and yet the special effects are somewhat passable. Overall, "13Hrs" is watchable and fairly intense, but as an overall experience it leaves much to be desired.