action/adventure/horror |

21 Jump Street BR — First off, this movie really surprised me. It looked like it could be funny, but could it follow through? The answer is a resounding yes! It is quite hilarious. Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill play off of one another very well, and make the buddy-cop movie thing really work for them. I laughed out loud many times. Overall, a very enjoyable movie, full of comedy, and a little bit of action which places it here instead of comedy. Overall, a welcome collection to my blu-ray collection. Also, it has Channing Tatum in it; that only makes it better!!
22 Jump Street BR — So, you think that a sequel will be more of the same, rehashed, with a bigger budget because the first one did so well? Well, they not only embrace that, but hilariously make fun of it throughout the movie. The chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum is incredible, and they really know how to deliver continuous laughs successfully. The result is another buddy cop comedy that is full of laughs, and a great deal of fun. If you liked the first one, you’ll really like this one too. After all, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it; this needs no fixing!
300 BR HD — This is another feast for the eyes from the genius that is Frank Miller (Sin City), where he successfully translates his graphic novel from the pages directly onto the screen. The story is a story of heroism, triumph, and the will to solider on; even against insurmountable odds. If you enjoy a great epic battle, delicious visuals, amazing fight scenes, heroic tales, great special effects, and a lots of hot, almost naked men; well… 300 is for you! I loved this movie, and I am so glad that they made it; here’s hoping that this is going to become a trend!
300: Rise of an Empire 3D BR — This is what I can imagine what they would have wanted to do with the first 300 movie, had they done it in 3D. This one builds nicely on the first one, in that it weaves a new story alongside of the other movie, while bringing in points from the original, making for a bigger story. The visuals are lush. The 3D is essential; I cannot believe that this was converted. This is one of the strongest conversions that I have seen, and it is gorgeous. Also… The main actor is really hot, too, and is great to watch!
47 Ronin 3D BR — I told myself, that if this movie ever hit a certain price point, I would pick it up for my 3D collection, because while it isn’t a great movie, by any means, it is enjoyable, and the visuals are LUSH. Well, here we are… and it’s mine! Definitely worth a watch, and just let yourself go.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter 3D BR — This was a blind buy for me. I thought the premise sounded fun, and it was directed the by the same guy that did Wanted, so I was more than intrigued. I heard a couple of people that saw it saw that it was fun, and so I took a chance. I do have to say, though, that I keep seeing things about the 3D just being so-so; let me dispel that thought. The 3D is excellent! The action is totally hokey, but a LOT of fun. I loved the premise, and the movie is a lot of fun to watch. If you were looking for something more serious, or even remotely dramatic, you clearly didn’t see the title. I really enjoyed the movie, and it is a welcome addition to my 3D collection.
Aeon Flux BR — While I definitely enjoyed this film, it does lack the gritty feel of the show on which it is based. With that being said, the movie just uses the show as a history, and not a basis for remaking; so my comparisons will end now. This movie; it stands alone, and on it’s own, it is actually a good science fiction movie. I would like to have seen a little more character development with Aeon, and I would have liked to see more action. The story is pretty interesting, and the “twist” is actually pretty neat. The visuals are great, and the costumes are pretty cool too. Overall, this is a pretty cool sci-fi movie, just not a “OH MY GOD DID YOU SEE THAT?” sci-fi movie.
Alexander BR — I saw this movie in the theater, and was actually quite impressed. I don’t think that it was the best movie ever made, but it was definitely a good one. I was pleasantly surprised and elated that they did not downplay the WELL KNOWN FACT that Alexander, as were many in his day, was a little fluid with his sexuality. It is well known that many men in those days spent time with their “mates” in order to gain a bond that benefited them in war… think about it, wouldn’t you do extra to protect your lover?? I would. Anyway, I thought the movie only needed to have some of the slower stuff cut out, but other than that… good show. Now, the only condition I had for me owning it was: I had read that Oliver Stone (pussy) was caving in to the critiques about this movie that came from the right wing crazy religious “right”, and was releasing the movie with many of the “gay” scenes cut out; YET he also decided to release the theatrical version (obviously the one I want). I just think that it is ridiculous that Stone would cave, and honestly, Stoney should know that I think that he is a coward, and can in no way be deemed an artist for what he does… since a true artist wouldn’t care. All in all, it is a pretty good story with hotter than hot Colin Farrell and Angelina Jolie smoking up the screen. Just get the theatrical version.
The Amazing Spider-man 3D BR — Admittedly, the first time I saw this, I wasn’t that thrilled; I was truly worried that I didn’t like this movie. The beginning is a little slow to get into the story, and it is a very similar remake to the Toby Maguire movie that came out not to terribly long ago (and spawned two sequels). HOWEVER, I must have been tired or in a weird mood, because when I watched it a second time (and didn’t fall asleep from being so tired), I freaking loved it. This movie is an ultimate Spider-man movie. Andrew Garfield is spectacular as Spider-man. The 3D is a very subtle in most of the movie, but when the action stars and the webs start slinging, it is incredible. I am glad that I loved this movie, because I had really high hopes for it. While the story starts a bit slow, it is very good, and much more true to the comics, I think. Overall, another great comic book adaptation, that I hope spawns successful sequels. I hope they make more and better use of the 3D throughout the entire movie next time, though (still… really enjoyed it, and totally worth it to have on 3D blu ray).
The Amazing Spider-man 2 3D BR — Another great installment of the rebooted Spider-man series, where Andrew Garfield proves he was a great choice to fill Peter Parker’s suit. This one is a bit darker, and finds the Green Goblin origin story along with the introduction of Electro and The Rhino as well. The movie moves at a faster pace than the first one, and builds very nicely on the groundwork that was laid. I will say, that the place where this movie really is lacking, is where it has three discernible endings. The issue, is that twice you feel like, hmm, this is the end, and then when it finally does end, you think, really? Are we sure? Okay. Either way, great movie. I also really enjoyed the 3D in this film; they continue to make great use of the format in movies, and I couldn’t be happier.
American Psycho — So, I know what you must be thinking. This movie is freaking crazy. Totally weird. Absolutely insane. It IS about a guy who kills lots of people, well, because he is a psycho. BUT… Christian Bale is in it (naked), and completely rocks in it. It is also a play on society of the 80’s and really “makes you think”… if you have seen it, you would know what I mean. If you are in the mood for a little something different, check it out, be warned, it is pretty strange (but still good).
Ant Man 3D BR — Initially this seemed to be a movie that had me shaking my head, thinking, why Ant Man? Aren’t there plenty of other super heroes in the Marvel Universe that are more interesting? However, being a huge Marvel geek, and going on the fact that all of the other films have been pretty spot on, I was definitely intrigued. Surprisingly, this is one of the better installments in the Marvel Universe, and one of the best character development stories that they have done. I can’t want to see more from Ant Man! Paul Rudd is adorable, as always, and really brings the character to life. This one does a great job of keeping the humor front and center as well, and never takes itself too seriously, which only adds to the overall effect. The 3D was excellent as well, showing that they really need to keep turning out quality stuff like this.
The A Team 3D BR — This is a remake of the TV show from the 80s, and it is what it is; taking a relatively okay TV show, and turning it into a movie. They did select a charismatic cast, and did have some descent writing, which leads to an enjoyable popcorn flick that is enjoyable at the least. Could it have won awards? No. Is it fun to watch? Sure!
Avatar 3D BR — I’m going to be completely honest; I WANTED to hate Avatar. I really, really, really wanted to hate it. I wanted to hate it because Cameron is suck a cock about his work, and everyone praises him for being so amazing and untouchable, and all of that praise just rubs me the wrong way. I’ll readily admit getting a big smile on my face when Avatar didn’t win best picture or director at the Academy Awards, and I was hesitant to see the film at all. However, a part of me wanted to see what all the hype was about, and that part of me is the reason why I now own this movie. While it was ridiculously long, the movie was in word, beautiful. Regardless of the length, the visuals were striking, and you really cannot deny the fact that Cameron did something amazing with the special effects making this alternate world. The story was also good (albeit, not original), and the entire experience was enjoyable. So yeah, I guess I will eat a little crow on this one, because some of that praise was certainly warranted; maybe just not ALL of it. Also, the 3D in this film is nothing short of STUNNING. Seriously, it is like the standard that all 3D should be held to. Glad it’s finally in my collection.
The Avengers 3D BR — I know that everyone, including myself, had high hopes for this movie, and not only were they met, they were vastly exceeded on a grand scale. Joss Whedon gave the fans exactly the movie that we could have hoped for. The ensemble cast works like a well oiled machine; each doing their part, and playing a perfect role on the team. The story is very well written, and the use of Loki as the villain beautifully builds on the previous individual superhero films. The only thing I wasn’t too thrilled about, was the replacement of Edward Norton with Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, because Edward Norton’s Hulk film was actually quite good, and he really played the part well. That being said, Ruffalo does a great job, and surprisingly steals the show more than a few times. Who knew the Hulk would be the most likable guy in the movie? Overall, there was only one (somewhat necessary, I GUESS) plot point I didn’t care for; I won’t give it away, but it “brings them all together”, but again, I guess it was “necessary”. Either way, this is a GREAT movie, full of action, great story, and it is one that I couldn’t wait to get on blu-ray. Specifically, as well, the 3D is STUNNING. It looks like it was filmed in 3D. This is a MUST HAVE for any comic book movie fan. MUST.
The Avengers: Age of Ultron 3D BR — How do you possibly follow up the mega success of The Avengers, where everything seemed to just fall into place, and somehow came across as almost effortless? And! How do you put it snuggly into the Marvel Universe at this point, where shit is starting to hit the proverbial fan, and everyone isn’t so hunky dory anymore? Why not introduce a killer cyborg to force everyone to come together and save the earth, again? Well, while it wasn’t as effortless as the first, it certainly did a great job of keeping the action and the great story of this group of super humans going, and the introduction of the Scarlett Witch and Quicksilver was great as well. I can’t wait to see where they go next, because they really have kept the quality high, and these movies are not disappointing in the least.
Bait 3D BR — I saw a lot of positive reviews of this film and the high quality of 3D, and I was sold. I picked it up for a steal, and I was surprised by how good this movie actually is. The premise is a bit far fetched; tsunami happens and there is a great white shark in a super market stalking the people left alive; however, it was definitely pretty original, and it was well done. The visuals were excellent, and the cast was quite good. This is definitely a fun film to watch, and the 3D takes it over the top. I’m glad I gave it a shot.
Barbarella BR — For whatever reason, I remember seeing this movie, and loving it as a youngster. It’s pretty much soft-core porn, which I find quite hilarious. Barbarella is tasked to seek out the scientist Duran Duran somewhere in the galaxy to save the universe. The special effects are cheesy, the story is sexed up and hokey, but dog-gone-it, it is a fun movie. Glad to have this on blu-ray.
Batman Begins HD BR — They took the Dark Knight to a darker place, and really captured what the comic conveys for the first time, in my opinion. I really felt like I was watching an adaptation of the comic, instead of a campy retelling of the Batman character. I absolutely LOVED Christian Bale in this role, and felt that he not only made Batman anew, but sizzled on the screen. Can’t wait for another one, if they are anything like this one. The title is so appropriate, because you should look at this as the beginning of the Batman franchise.
Battleship HD BR — So here’s a great idea; let’s make a movie based on a board game, which has no plot other than blowing shit up. Well, what I expected to be horrible, was actually a pretty decent, fun action movie. While it isn’t going to win any awards, it is a great little blow-em-up action flick that was much more entertaining that I was expecting. To quote Rihanna’s character, “Boom”.
The Bourne Legacy BR [RP] — Bought this as a surprise for James, as he absolutely LOVES the Bourne movies. This time, it’s Jeremy Renner in the hot seat, and I will lay down my verdict about it after I see it.
The Bourne Identity BR HD — This movie made me really want to be a secret agent, really bad. I would love to be on a mission here or something. I like this movie. I want to learn how to do what he can do, except, I really don’t like the idea of killing so many people. Still really cool. Oh yes, yes it is.
The Bourne Supremacy BR HD — If it is possible for a sequel to be just as good as the original, the Supremacy has done it. This movie is so action packed and on the edge of your seat wonderful, you are sure to enjoy it all the way from beginning to end. Jason Bourne is back, and he is really, really pissed off. I would be too, come to think of it. He warned you people at the end of the first movie, and now you will pay. Big time.
The Bourne Ultimatum BR HD — A fast paced conclusion to the trilogy, this Bourne is just as action packed, and full of fun as the previous two. A definite need for the collection to round out the trilogy. Plus, James loved it.
Cabin In The Woods BR — I didn’t know what to expect from this, other than it looks like an interested horror movie, when I saw it. It got a lot of hype, and so many of my friends reported loving it, that I had to rent it. Well, saying that it wasn’t what I expected is a major understatement. While it is definitely a horror movie, it has a lot of twists and turns (that I won’t ruin for anyone that hasn’t seen it), that leave you thinking, WTF, and the movie ends in a way different place than you would have thought it would! The result is a fun movie with a great cast. Such a different take on the same old formula, and one that works very, very well.
Captain America: The First Avenger 3D BR — This is the perfect comic book movie, indeed. This movie is full of action, great scenery, a great story, and the feel that they gave it being set during WWII is just amazing. They nailed this one. Chris Evans is delightful as Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, and this origin story did not disappoint. This is also one of the best live action 3D conversions I’ve seen yet.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier 3D BR — I wasn’t expecting a sequel to be one of the best movies Marvel has turned out to date. That being said, this is a tearing down, and beginning of a rebuilding, and picks up right after the Avengers movie. The story brings back in one of Cap’s friends, whom he thought was dead, and instead, is evil, and out to kill. The movie is excellently written, and has humor peppered throughout. This is one of those movies that when you watch it, you want to see it again. Killer special effects, and excellent use of 3D. I love where they are taking the Marvel universe, and this is definitely one of the best of the bunch.
Casino Royale BR — I have never really been a fan of Bond, just because I foolishly though that it was a little too hokey for me, but this one is darker, sexier, gritty, and fun. Daniel Craig makes the perfect Bond, and if is where they are going with the franchise, I am in. This movie is fast paced, full of action, a great story, and an irresistible spy in Bond. I really liked it. Upon watching a couple more times, I realize how great this movie actually is; consider me a fan of Bond now.
Children of Men BR BR HD — Let me start by saying that I was really not prepared for this movie. Mainly, because I wasn’t aware that many movies could be made in such a fashion that would have you so engaged that you would actually feel like you were watching a documentary instead of a fictional thriller. As you follow Owen on his protective mission, you see the most dire and horrid living conditions and witness actions by radicals and the government alike that make you thankful our society has not gotten as bad as this film shows us it could. The movie is violent, ultra-real, gripping, and very scary; mainly because what is portrayed is something that could potentially be our future if bad choices and violence escalate. It is a movie that should not be missed. This movie is like V for Vendetta, only with a much more volatile and violent society, and of course, the fear that comes with a lack of procreation fueling much of the violence.
Chronicle BR — This movie really surprised me. It is filmed in a semi-documentary style, which thankfully doesn’t over use the handheld camera effect. The story is about a group of friends that find a random cave, and gain super powers from their exposure to something in the cave. The movie focuses on their experience with their new growing powers, and the way it shapes them. It’s a fresh take on the teen angst story with a twist.
Clash of the Titans 3D BR — I was on the fence about getting this because of all of the negative reviews of the 3D. However, it isn’t bad; it isn’t the best, but it isn’t the worst I’ve seen. I enjoyed the story, and I love the action. This is a CGI feast for the eyes, and expecting anything more is just silly. Anyone that likes action and loose interpretations of mythology would love this movie.
Cloverfield BR — Filmed similarly to the way Blair Witch Project was, this is a wild ride for the eyes. That being said, the story is great, and the action is top notch. It had me gripped through until the end, and I enjoyed it much more than I was expecting. Filled with action and horror, perfect for a great addition to my blu-ray collection if you ask me.
Columbiana BR — Luc Besson has a way of making a strong female lead into a total bad ass, and in this case, the devilishly beautiful Zoe Salanda ups the ante. Her take on the revenge game is brilliant, and she is fierce as hell. Great action movie with an even better lead actress making the bad ass thing look effortless.
The Conjuring BR — I haven’t see this yet, but I heard it is super scary, and it was cheap on Black Friday
Constantine BR — Based on the comic book, “Hellblazer”, this movie focuses on the life of a guy that can see demons, and has the power to send them to hell, if the need should arise. He is trying to win his way back into heaven, but it doesn’t seem they are buying it. I thought this movie was VERY well made, and it is an exciting thrill ride, from beginning to end. Even though Keanu is good, he plays a very “Neo” role, acting very similar to the character of the same name from the Matrix movies. Overall, if you like comic book movies, this one is in the same vein, but has a darker, heavier focus on the occult and the war between heaven and hell. Definitely worth a watch.
The Covenant BR — Cheesy witch/action goodness with shirtless boys. Hot shirtless boys. You can’t really try to get into this one seriously, because it is really cheesy (think Charmed, but uber cheesy), but it is definitely fun to watch. I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did, but I hey, what can you do? I am a sucker for the occult action movies…
Cowboys and Aliens BR — While I just thought it was okay, James seemed to really enjoy this movie, so I ended up getting it for him for xmas. The story is a little bit like that game Prey, which was fun, and the action does have a western element that is ever present, if you are into that sort of thing. I could have used a less of it myself, but meh.
Crank BR — Um, basically, this is just an adrenaline filled video game race. And hottie Mchot Jason Statham is all up in this one; much of it, he spends in a hospital gown… butt shots! This is just a fun movie to watch really. And it is really mostly for the eye candy.
Daredevil BR — Here is my beef with this movie: Ben Affleck is not believable in this role. Also, if his character was raised poor, and only does pro-bono work, how does he afford that amazing apartment?? Just wondering… Now, given that… Jennifer Garner is awesome, and she kicks ass as Elektra (I bet that is the Elektra that Freud was referring to).
The Dark Knight BR — While it is really sad that this was one of Heath’s last roles, he is amazing in it. Seriously, it is like watching a crazy person just be completely diabolical and crazy. It was chilling at times. Again, I am so happy that they decided to revive the Batman franchise with Christian Bale as Batman, because it is effortless for him, and it shows that he fits the role so well. The only thing I didn’t like about this movie, other than Maggie Gyllenhaal’s forgettable performance, was how they ended it. Just because it is part of a series with potential future movies, it doesn’t negate the responsibility of the director/producer/writers to give us a proper ending. Other than that, great action film, and great Batman movie.
The Dark Knight Rises BR — What can be said more than Nolan does it again? Integrating more players from previous Batman films and a lot of favorites from Inception, the trilogy’s final chapter hits hard. Bane as the villain is brilliant and scary. The war torn and battered Bruce Wayne down and out, having to climb to the top, was a great place to take the story. And finally, Anne Hathaway as Selena Kyle was excellent; she nailed the role. I love how Nolan kept the characters from becoming cartoon-realistic characterizations, and instead only hinted at their comic book counterparts. Great movie, excellent comic book film, and it only left me wanting more.
Dawn Of The Dead (2004) BR — This is the remake of the original Dawn of the Dead that came out in the late 70’s. Like the original thriller, this movie is non-stop gore filled action, and proves to have a few laughs as well as having a few gasps. It reminds me of that lyric from that Drowning Pool song… Let the bodies hit the floor!!! I will say, that if zombies can run like those in this movie, we are FUCKED if there is a zombie apocalypse; those fuckers are FAST!
The Day After Tomorrow BR — While I must say that a major motivation for my purchase of this DVD, was Jake Gyllenhaal’s presence in the movie, it was not the only thing. The movie does have an interesting premise (new ice age, end of earth, etc), and delivers lots of great special effects. It flows really well, and isn’t over done. Plus, like always, Jake is hot in it.
The Day The Earth Stood Still BR — This is a remake of an old sci-fi movie. The premise is that an alien race comes to earth to destroy earth because basically, they gave us a shot, and we as a species blew it. They decide that they want to salt the earth, so to speak, and just start over. They send a representative named Klatuu, played by an emotionless Keanu Reeves, which actually works quite well in this movie. Overall, it’s a fun end of the world sci-fi film that I really enjoyed, and is worth watching.
Deadpool BR — This is one of those movies where you see the preview, and you know you are going to love it. No disappointments here. Ryan Reynolds is perfect in this wise-cracking role, and the R rating meant that they could let Deadpool be the foul-mouthed super anti-hero he was meant to be. If they made more super hero franchise type films with this whimsy and this level of humor, they would make even more money, which is crazy, because they are already making it hand over fist. Regardless, a great, and often irreverent super-hero type film which is full of fun and great action to boot.
Disturbia — While I didn’t care for the in-your-face beginning car crash scene, I think it was necessary to highlight the “hard edge” that Shia’s character gains as a result. After being put under house arrest, he starts to notice something wrong with his neighbor, and finds a little more than he bargained for… a bona fide killer living next door. This discover leads to some serious tension and crazy terror. Shia shines in this movie, and is proving that he is definitely a force to be reckoned with… watch out for this kid, because the boy can seriously act.
Divergent BR — I was hesitant about this movie, mainly because I heard so many negative reviews and reactions to it. Being that it is a YA adaptation, it could go either way; towards the direction of something great like Hunger Games, or teeter over towards the ridiculous, like the Twilight series. Luckily, this one is much more Hunger Games in more ways than one; strong female lead, excellent dystopian-driven story, and just enough action and drama to keep you riveted from beginning to end. I really enjoyed this movie, and I was kicking myself for not giving it a chance sooner. I honestly cannot wait to see the next one in this series; and I hope that it does like the Hunger Games, and only gets better!
The Divergent Series: Insurgent 3D BR — I really liked Divergent more than I was expecting, and I was excited to see that they were releasing the next installment of the trilogy in 3D. I thought they did a great job of picking right up where the previous movie left off, and jumped right into the fray that the Divergents were facing with Janine and the rest of the government trying to rid the city of Divergent threat. Overall, this story is interesting, and like other dystopian YA movies, it does a good job of picking likable protagonists that really capture the role well, and draw in the attention of the audience. After seeing this one, I am am excited to see where they go with the next one, and hopefully, they keep up the momentum of this interesting series.
Django Unchained BR — This movie has many of the elements of a true Tarantino film, and it is very well written and directed. That being said, I didn’t love it because of the difficult subject matter, and the frank, overuse of the N word (which I found to be incredibly unnecessary). Overall, though, it is a good story, and the acting is top notch, and well, it’s Tarantino, so it is gory, full of action, cursing, and uncomfortable topics; which is really what I guess makes it the movie that it is.
Doomsday BR — The idea of the whole “disease kills millions, so the government just boards them up and prevents them from infecting the main population” is scary, but it’s pretty much exactly what would happen. This movie is full of some intense action, and some freaky situations (they eat a guy!), but it was well done, and a thoroughly enjoyable film. Rhona Mitra officially kicks ass.
Dracula 2000 BR — This is one of those oh-so-bad-that- it-is-kinda-good movies. I remember liking this, because I really do enjoy MOST vampire themed movies, and this one is FULL of people that would become famous several years later. Seeing that it was on blu ray, and on super sale, I had to snag it for a bit of reminiscing for my collection. After watching it, it does move a bit slow, and the acting/dialog is super trite, but it is a fun movie nonetheless. Also, I had no idea that Gerard Butler played Dracula. Seriously? How did I not know that?! Any reason to see Jonny Lee Miller on screen is a no-brainer as well.
Dredd 3D BR — A reboot of a not-so-good movie from the 90s, again based on the comic book Judge Dredd. This time, Dredd fights in a much more dystopian future where the judges keep order and delve out the justice. Interestingly enough, the movie really takes place in one building; a megastructure of the future, which is controlled by a drug lord named Mama, who controls a drug called slo-mo. The movie is action packed, and the premise was much better realized this time. The scenes where people are on slo-mo are awesome. The 3D was great, and the story was fun. Only negative, is that the uber hot Karl Urban never takes off his Judge helmet during the entire movie; I guess you can’t win them all.
The Eagle BR — I’ll admit that the only reason I originally rented this, was because Channing Tatum is in it. After seeing it, I knew I wanted to own it; he is quite the looker as a Roman soldier, and the lonesome suffering warrior works very well for him. The movie is a bit slow, but the story is interesting, and the interplay between him and Jamie Bell is great. The cinematography really makes this movie an enjoyable experience; it is a beautiful movie to watch.
Eagle Eye BR — This movie met, and far exceeded my expectations. It is a full throttle action thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. As usual, Shia Lebouf really shines here, and Michelle Monaghan is a perfect companion for him in this high paced, in your face thriller. The whole situation is very “sky-net takes over the world and we are fucked”, but it is awesome, and the story was very well written and well executed. Great action movie; some of the car crashes are so intense, that they took my breath away.
Edge Of Tomorrow 3D BR — This movie was very, very well reviewed, but not so widely seen for some reason. I went in expecting a lot, and I came out completely satisfied. The story is incredibly original; a soldier who dies almost immediately in an important battle with an alien foe, and gains the power of travelling back, to do it all over again, while learning from his mistakes. The way the action and the story unfold is unexpected, and downright brilliantly written. This movie is a dream for any sci-fi lover, and it is smart, smart, smart, smart! A must see for any diehard sci-fi fan!!
Elektra BR — So what this movie was super hyped. So what I was maybe a little (only a little) bored with maybe about 20 minutes of it. So what I feel like it should have been a little more like Daredevil (careful, not too much, it is its own movie, not a copy). So what. So what. All in all, I liked it. And Jen freaking rocked in it. Well, she does in anything. All this movie needed was another watch… I had a feeling it would be better the second time around, and damn, I love being right.
End Of Watch BR — Mostly drawn to this because of Jake Gyllenhaal, I was excited to see him as a hot, badass cop. Well, this movie is FUCKING INTENSE. Seriously, I could barely sleep after seeing it. It is RAW, super violent, and very, very intense. It almost feels like a reality show at times. I am honestly surprised Gyllenhaal was ignored for best actin nods for this one, because his performance was eerily amazing.
Entrapment — So what if the acting in this movie isn’t that great, admit it, this movie is fun, and makes you want to do a “major heist” to get billions of dollars from a computer somewhere across the world. I must say that, no matter how much money it was, you would never catch me scaling the side of that high ass building. Seriously. I am very afraid of the heights. And… I got this movie for $5 at Circuit City!!! YEAH!
Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D BR — I have always loved the story of Moses and Ramses from the bible, and loved the Ten Commandments movie as a child. When they made the Prince of Egypt movie, I thoroughly loved it, and when I heard that Ridley Scott was making his version of the story, I knew it would be epic. Add to that fact, that it was filmed in 3D, this is nothing short of spectacular, and while it is a bit long, it is very engaging and entertaining. The scenes are lush, and the visuals are immersive and engaging. If you love the story, you should give this a shot; it is a very good retelling of a story that most everyone is pretty familiar with, but has the added epic-ness of Ridley Scott’s vision and direction.
Fallen BR — I saw this miniseries on ABC Family a few years ago, and was really intrigued by it. It is about a teenager who realizes he is an angel when he turns 18, and who is the key to angels getting back into heaven. Overall, it is a bit cheesy, but enjoyable. I had to snag this on blu-ray when I found out it was out.
Fantastic Four BR — Given all of the hype, it was bound to get bad reviews, but that did not stop me, nor should it stop any other lover of comics. This comic adaptation of the Fantastic Four was great, capturing the characters, while remaining witty, fun, and light-hearted. The special effects were spot-on, especially those of the Human Torch. Chris Evans, the guy who plays Johnny Storm aka the Human Torch sizzles, and not only because he is on fire (hot body!). This is a very fun movie to watch, with lots of eye candy, action, and is definitely not-too-campy-but-just-campy-enough. I highly recommend this one, especially if you believe in comic movies. This one is just too much fun! With that being said, I do realize how silly and down right hokey much of this movie is, but so was the comic, and you just have to go with it. If you don’t like it, stay away… otherwise, enjoy!
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer BR — In my opinion, just as good, and probably a little better than the first one. Good fun, and great special effects. I have always loved Silver Surfer, and it was good to see him realized in live action. Definitely a great comic book movie adaptation. Sheer entertainment!
The Fifth Element BR — Ok, you may be thinking, this movie is really weird or whatever, but you are wrong. It is awesome. I love it. Bruce is great, the story is awesome, and Chris Tucker is hilarious. This is the perfect scifi action movie. Perfect. LeeLoo Dallas, Multipass!
Fight Club BR — “The first rule of fight club, is that you do not talk about fight club.” Very interesting, intense movie with a big twist.
Final Destination 5 3D BR — Sometimes, you are in the mood for a completely schlocky and silly movie. This is certainly one of those movies. Really the best parts of the movie are the creative death scenes, which one comes to expect after seeing any of the other Final films. In this case, the 3D takes the fun to a whole new level. Definite time waster, but fun to watch in 3D.
Flying Swords of Dragon Gate 3D BR — This one was a blind buy for sure, but I am glad I took a chance. I saw extremely positive reviews about the 3D effects, and the reviews were saying that fans of Crouching Tiger and House of Flying Daggers would enjoy it, so I took a leap and bought it. While the story is a bit disjointed, and the voiceovers are a bit hokey (I opted not to watch it subtitled), I did enjoy the movie, and the fighting sequences are stunning. The 3D is excellent, in my opinion, and the reviews were spot on about that. I think a couple more viewings, and I will enjoy this movie even more. So far, the movie is a solid 3 stars while the 3D kicks it into 4 star territory.
Gamer 3D BR — I remember seeing this before they converted it into 3D, and while I thought it was neat, I was just meh about it, and didn’t see myself owning it. That being said, when I saw that it was converted into 3D, my 3D loving side made me watch it until the price dropped, and I had to pick it up. I am glad I did, it is an entertaining movie, that is very visually stunning. It is almost like watching a video game. The only negative thing I will say about the 3D, however, is that the janky camera movements that make it so visceral, take away from the 3D elements, and do lend to the dreaded ghosting that people talk about. Overall, though, decent conversion that made me take a second look at a movie I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise.
Ghost Rider — Another helping of cheesy comic book goodness!! I normally can’t stand Nicholas Cage, but he is actually quite good in this one; perhaps because he doesn’t take himself, or the movie, too seriously. Definitely a good comic film for those that like them. Not the best I have seen, but I did enjoy it enough to want to own it so I can see it again when I am feeling it. If you like comics, give it a go.
G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra BR — Oh man this movie is bad. It is so bad that it succeeds only in what it tries to do; delivers non-stop action with a minor plot, pretty actors, great special effects, and enough explosions to make a kid scream with delight. After all, isn’t that what you would expect from a G.I. Joe movie?? I really enjoyed it for what it was; gold old fashioned action-fueled fun. Also… can we just acknowledge the gorgeousness of Channing Tatum… again??
Girl With The Dragon Tattoo BR — James absolutely LOVED these books, and when the movie came out, he went to see it and told me simply, “it wasn’t as good as the Swedish movie”, which I actually saw and did enjoy. Well, that means I never got to see it! Cut to now, and we have a buy one get one free deal at Best Buy, and James decides it would be best if we did own it, even though it isn’t as good as the Swedish one. Now that I’ve seen it, I can say the plot moves along rather quickly, so do pay attention or you will miss some important elements. I really loved the soundtrack, and the movie was similar to the Swedish version, and very good. Super intense though. There is a graphic rape scene, so just a heads up. Great thriller, and I can’t wait to see the next one.
Go BR — It has it all. A seedy adventure to Las Vegas, that ends up in a car chase and a bullet to the arm. Diner discussion over which wine goes best with ham (white). A drug run that ends up at a rave and almost getting shot, but instead getting hit by a car. All that, and you still have to go to work at the grocery store. What a Christmas that was.
A Good Day To Die Hard BR — Bruce Willis may be getting older, but he can still carry an action film with no problem. This one sees him teaming up with his son, who is just as hot as he is, and they end up kicking ass all over Russia. Great eye candy, and a fun, well done action film.
Green Hornet 3D BR — There was a lot of stink about how the 3D wasn’t all that great in this movie, but I fully disagreed; I really enjoyed it. As such, I snagged the 3D blu ray for my collection. The movie is hyper-violent, and has lots of funny moments. It is an overall very enjoyable action film, and is entertaining throughout. I will say, though, that if you aren’t a huge Rogen fan, this movie will probably not tip you in the positive direction; his character is kind of a dick.
Green Lantern 3D BR — This movie got a lot of flack for how imperfect it was; but I completely disagree. This is the perfect comic book movie. Ryan Reynolds is perfect as Hal Jordan, and the origin story of how he becomes the Green Lantern is extremely well done. I found myself wanting to see it again as soon as it was over, and I wanted to go home and read more about the Green Lantern and the Lantern Corps as well. This is one that I thoroughly enjoyed, and am glad to have in my blu ray collection; I know I will watch it over and over again. Seriously, one of my favorite comic book movies yet. I really hope they make a sequel!
The Green Zone BR — A little bit Bourne, and a little bit The Hurt Locker, with a lot of espionage and Alias type action thrown in. James enjoyed this more than I did, and as such, I picked it up for him. The real key here, is Matt Damon; he makes an amazing action star, and is very believable in this role. Great gulf war movie.
Grindhouse Collector’s Edition BR — While I may not have “gotten it” the first time I saw Death Proof, I did love Planet Terror after the first viewing. However, I came around, and watched Death Proof again, and realized it’s brilliance. These two films (and the trailers in between) make for a great movie experience, and a perfect homage to the old grindhouse movies from the past. Any movie collector would love to have this in their collection.
Hackers — Jonny Lee Miller. Angelina Jolie. Really cool, high-tech little computer hacking movie. The story isn’t a mindblower, but it has the perfect amount of action and fun to stay interested and want to watch. Their outfits are awesome too.
Hanna BR — The soundtrack is by the Chemical Brothers. The action is top notch. Saoirse Ronan is brilliant as the pint sized assassin bred to kill. Cate Blanchett is creepy as the evil CIA agent after her. Eric Bana is just plan hot as Hanna’s father. Overall, a GREAT movie. Lots of action, and several laugh out loud moments due to Hanna’s awkwardness. I liked this much better than I thought I would, and I am so glad that I did!
A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas3D BR — What an interesting concept: a Christmas adventure/pot movie. The result is a funny movie that is totally inappropriate, yet full of laughs. The 3D is a real bonus here, they play up the whole flying at the audience thing to the extreme, and the result is a somewhat different Christmas film that is stupid, but certainly enjoyable; especially in 3D.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone — I have read all of the books, and I love them. This movie was better than the second one; and this movie was almost word for word from the book. It is actually what inspired me to read the whole series!
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets — I wasn’t as happy with this one as I was with the first one, but I still liked it a lot. They left a lot of things from the book out, and focused more on the action with the Basilisk. Not complaining, but that is what they did.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban BR — Loved this movie. Seriously. This was my favorite book of the series so far, and I must say, I was really looking forward to this movie. It didn’t disappoint me either. It is simply dark and haunting, and at times, breathtakingly beautiful. The part with the patronus is awesome. Loved it!
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire BR — Best. Harry. Potter. Movie. Yet. The cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful. The story is executed with expert detail. Oh yeah, and I wrote a really long review on the blog. If this is the direction Harry Potter films are going, I am glad to be on the ride.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix BR — It’s great that they keep making these movies, and making them good to boot. This one was quite enjoyable, and a welcome addition to my collection; being that I have all of the other films and enjoyed them as well. The only complaint I had about this movie, is that it seemed sort of rushed towards the end; almost like they had to quickly wrap up the material from the book, because they took too long including stuff in the beginning. Either way, it was a good installment in the series.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince BR — This was the first Harry Potter that I didn’t see in the theater, and waiting for the DVD meant that a lot of time had passed since I had read the books, or seen the previous film, so a lot of the first half of the movie was playing catch up. I need to watch it again, so the rating may go up, but for me, it was more angst, and less story development and action sequences; both of which have been major draws of the previous films. Edit: Watched it again, and it was much better the second time around.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 3D BR — Great beginning to the end of the Harry Potter series. Very gritty movie, and lots of touching moments. It’s been such a journey watching these kids grow up, and I can’t wait for the final part of this final chapter; if it is anywhere near as good as this, it’s going to be excellent!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 3D BR — The ending of this series truly proved to be the most powerful film of them all. This movie is excellent, and paired with Part 1, it is definitely the best of them all. We watched these kids grow up, and it was a great journey! I am especially happy that they released this in 3D, which is excellent, because it is even more of a draw to watch it over and over!
Hellboy BR — I had great expectations going in to see this on the theater, and I must say they were met, and even exceeded! This is the true anti-hero story, with just enough emphasis on love to make it all believable, and not too sappy. Filled with great special effects and interesting characters, Hellboy is a treat!
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army BR — This movie was not only visually stunning, but they really brought back the likability of the big red oaf, and even peppered in more of the sorely underused Liz from the first film. While the characters were great, and the creature-feature effects were amazing, I would have liked for them to tone down the fireworks a bit for a little more story. They had a great premise that never got to see its full potential. Either way, it was an enjoyable movie, and overall, I only liked it just smidgen less than the first.
Hero BR — If you liked Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, just buy this. This movie was beautiful, and wonderful. The fighting is nothing like I have seen before. This is kung-fu beauty. Seriously, in case you don’t get it, this movie is amazing. I didn’t even mind the subtitles. (But, hey, they have an english track on the DVD, so I don’t have to read if I don’t want to.)
The Hunger Games BR — I’m not going to lie; this movie falls squarely into the over-hyped type of movie that I generally can’t stand because everyone screams its praises, and makes it out to be the second coming. HOWEVER, this movie is really excellent. When I watched it for the second time, I was really, really wanting to immediately watch it again. The characters are gripping, and the story is unique and interesting enough to really pull you in. I love the whole premise (even though it is really fucked up), and I really, really enjoyed this more than I was expecting. This is what a movie should be; interesting, riveting, and engrossing until the very end. I was nervous watching! Definitely glad this is in my collection!
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire BR — A great sequel to the first, this brings Katniss and Peeta back into the arena, in a fight to the death with previous winners; which, let’s be honest, is the biggest FU the Capital could throw at them. It’s clear the revolution is spreading (catching fire…), and Katniss inadvertently has become a hero to all outlying districts; much to her own increasing mortality. This was a great movie, well made, and I can’t wait to see the next two!
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 BR — Picking up right after Catching Fire, Mockingjay finds District 12 destroyed, and Katniss reeling at the capture of Peeta and the loss of the world she knows. This one is a bit more slow-going, as they are more about developing a strategy to go after the Capital, from District 13, which we thought was destroyed prior to Katniss being rescued from the Quarter Quell arena by the rebellion. It builds into the next, and final chapter of the series, and I believe that when they fully realize the movie in two parts, it will be great. Can’t wait to see how this ends!
Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 BR — Definitely better and more appropriately paced than the first installment of the final chapter of this excellent series. The movie is quite dark, and a lot of loss is endured, but in the end, it ends up right where you would expect it to; which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Overall, a good finale to a great story.
The Hurt Locker BR James got this super cheap, and he really liked this movie. I thought it was very intense, but not necessarily Best Picture worthy; despite the fact that it won. I did think Jeremy Renner was fantastic in it, and the movie was very gritty and felt more like a documentary than anything.
I, Frankenstein 3D BR — Written by the same guy that was part of the team that came up with the Underworld concept, this follows Frankenstein’s monster as he gets pulled into a war between Gargoyles and Demons, who have been at war with one another for centuries (see the Underworld parallel here?). While the premise is very similar to Underworld, I will say, that if you liked those movies (there were 4 of them, and I liked all of them), you will probably like this one too. It is sorta cheesy, but it is fun, and the action and story are fun to watch.
Immortals 3D BR — This movie got pretty terrible reviews, but since it was in 3D, I wanted to see it, and I have to say, I am glad that the bad reviews were overhyped. The story is LOOSELY based on Greek mythology, and the interplay between the gods and man. I liked the mythology, the story is interesting, and the visuals are LUSH. This is a feast for the eyes if nothing else. The movie is enjoyable, much more than I was expecting. Great action movie with beautiful visuals and great 3D too; what’s not to like?
Inception BR — A wild adventure through dreams! This was a twist and turn action thriller where they entered dreams to get what they wanted, by manipulating the dreamers. It was a little confusing as to why they did stuff sometimes, and certain nuances weren’t explained (like, how the dream within a dream was achieved, how they got there, etc.), but overall, it was really well done, and I really enjoyed it. Great special effects too.
The Incredible Hulk BR — I am sooooo glad that they remade this movie. The first one just stunk. I don’t think that anyone is to blame (well, maybe the writers), but the first Hulk was just awful. This one, however, is full of action, and actual believability; which is interesting, considering it is about an 8 foot tall green monster. I have to say that the choice of Edward Norton was one that I was wary of (because I think he is a fantastic actor, and this role just seemed a weird fit), but after seeing it, I think he was perfect for it. Also, it might be weird to say, but I think that they actually made the Hulk look kind of cute! I also loved the cameos by Stan Lee and the guy that played the Hulk in the TV series… I love when they do cute and clever things like that.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark BR — What a classic! Indy is the ultimate action hero, and this is one of those movies that I remember from when I was a kid; great action, and great story.
Inside Man — I honestly have to admit that I adamantly resisted seeing this movie for no particular reason, but I also must admit that I was pleasantly surprised when I was finally convinced to go and see it. This movie is awesome. Such a great plot, such a great idea, and very, very well made. This is pretty much the only way you should rob a bank; that is, if you want to do that. I don’t want to give away all of the plot, so I will just say that this is definitely a good movie. Hostage negotiations, stand offs, bank robbery, and a cat and mouse game.
Interstellar BR — What can I say? Another stellar film by Christopher Nolan. Blight has taken over the world, and is killing all crops, sending mankind back to focusing on farming rather than innovation and technological advancement, for the purpose of saving humanity from pending starvation. A former pilot sees a sign in dust that leads him to coordinates that uncover a mission NASA is working on to find a new home for humanity on a planet outside of our solar system. They happened to find a worm hole that gives us new-found access to far off regions of space never thought possible to reach before now, and the goal is to use to it to find a new world for humanity, free from blight. This movie really pulls you in and makes you think; there are all kinds of relativity questions, and ideas about worm holes and passage of time and gravity as they affect time and space that really make you think deeply about both the film, and overall space-time itself. I found myself wanting to watch it again immediately once it went off, which is typical for Nolan, as he really captures you with the story, and makes you think at the same time. Great movie, lush visuals, and my only real complaint is that it wasn’t in 3D, which I felt was a real missed opportunity here. Overall, great movie.
Into the Blue BR — I have to admit that I really didn’t have too much of a burning desire to see this OTHER than the reason that Paul Walker would be topless almost the entire film. With that being said, I was expecting nothing worth paying attention to, more than just looking and ogling at Paul Walker; that is where I was wrong. This movie is full of action, and is insanely beautifully shot. Jessica Alba is to die for in the film, beautiful as always. The story is of some divers looking for treasure, when they happen upon a plane filled with drugs. What happens next is a race to uncover the identity of the treasure so they can make a claim; before someone notices the drugs and the plane are missing. I have to say that I can’t think of another movie, that while I was watching, I had this overwhelming sense that these people should know better, and do the right thing. But, even though they don’t, it makes for a pretty kick ass adventure. Highly recommended for some fun.
I, Robot 3D BR — I thought that this movie was going to be really bad, and well, it just wasn’t. In fact, it was quite good. I really liked it! It very futuristic, which I like, has a lot of action, which I like, and well, Will Smith just plain kicks robot butt. This is one of those sci-fi action movies that actually makes you think a bit, and intrigues you more than just on the surface (which definitely is a result of this being a movie version of an Isaac Asimov story). I recently saw this come out on 3D blu ray, and I was on the fence about picked it up due to mixed reviews. I really remember enjoying the movie, and the 3D blu ray went on a crazy sale, so I had to add this to the collection. I may update this review about the 3D in the future.
Iron Man BR — What an enjoyable comic book movie!!! I have to say, that Robert Downey Jr NAILED this role as Tony Stark, and made this film enjoyable, witty, funny, and just all around a great experience. I love great comic book adaptations, and this one is squarely in the “nailed it” column. I can’t wait to see what is to come from this franchise; especially because of how amazing this one turned out.
Iron Man 2 BR — While it wasn’t as explosive and fresh as the first one, it was definitely entertaining throughout. It was cool to see the introduction of War Machine, and the special effects were top notch; some of those scenes sailed above the first film. The only thing a little lacking in this one was the story, and it was where it felt like they were trying to force the whole Avengers angle on this film. I get that you have to set it up, but we’re smart, so you don’t have to do it too heavily. Overall, I really liked it, and I certainly hope they make a third one.
Iron Man 3 3D BR — This movie, if for nothing else, should be applauded for reinvention. When you think of a third installment of a franchise, you think, what can they do that hasn’t been done before (especially when there was actually a movie preceding it that was an ensemble piece staring your hero)? In steps Iron Man 3 with what one could describe as a perfect character deconstruction. This movie does an amazing job of pitting Tony Stark against adversity, a bad ass enemy hell bent on world domination, and himself; the result tears him down to his core, and forces him to examine just who is Tony Stark, and probably more importantly, just who is Iron Man? I loved the story, and I loved how he dealt with his crumbling world, and how he came out on the other side. It is definitely an exclamation point, if nothing else, on the franchise; should they decide to go no further with Iron Man (other than Avengers 2), they ended it with a big bang, and a great completion. The 3D is this one is more about depth than anything, and for me, really adds to the viewing experience; which, like always, is a major plus for me.
The Island BR — This sci-fi thriller actually looks at social response and possibility when it comes to cloning human beings. The characters find out they are merely clones for people outside in the real world, and when they win the lottery and a chance to go to the “Island”, they are actually being shipped off to be harvested for organs. Two of the clones find out, and all hell breaks loose. This movie got a lot of bad reviews, but I can’t see why; it is fun, interesting, filled with action, and pretty unique (from what I have seen). This is a definite good movie.
The Italian Job BR HD — I had reservations about seeing this movie… WHY??? I have no idea now. This movie is so much fun. If you have never been a part of a serious gold robbing heist, then it makes you want to be (it seems like a good fun time, right?). Also… a suped up Mini Cooper taking to the streets for serious weaving in and out of traffic action… Stop it! I am sold!!!
Jack Reacher BR — I didn’t have much in the way of anticipation for this before I saw it, because, honestly, it looks like a generic Tom Cruise action movie. While it IS that, the story is pretty surprising and great. I ended up picking this up for James because of how much he liked it; but fortunately, I really enjoyed this one as well.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit BR — This story focuses on Jack Ryan, who ends up being recruited to the CIA following his turn and show of bravery in the military. He becomes an analyst, when he discovers something sinister, and gets pulled into active duty, along side Kevin Costner, as his handler. Couple that with a long time girlfriend who doesn’t know he’s in the CIA, it makes for an interesting espionage-driven thriller. Definitely enjoyable, even if it is a bit predictable.
John Carter 3D BR — I kept seeing terrible reviews for this, and as such, passed on it as a blind buy when it came out on blu ray. At that time, I could have gotten it super cheap due to a coupon, but alas, I passed on it. Then, I saw it, and immediately started kicking myself. This movie is awesome. The 3D is great, the story is very interesting, and apparently, it would have made for a fantastic blind buy. It is a great story, which I have read George Lucas borrows heavily from in his Star Wars franchise. If you go into this expecting some epic masterpiece, you will probably be disappointed, but if you go in expecting a well made, amazing graphics-heavy, fun sci-fi adventure; well, then you will probably enjoy it as much as I did. Glad this finally made it into my 3D collection.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 3D BR — I went into this with pretty low expectations, and I knew it was going to be super cheesy, but I ended up really enjoying it. It is a great action movie, and the special effects are just fun. It picks up after the previous Journey movie, but Brendan Fraiser sits this one out. The Rock steps in, and is very likable in his role. The adventure is far fetched, but that is to be expected, and the movie is just a mindless excursion of fantasy and fun. I really liked the 3D effects, and I am glad the movie ended up being much better than I expected.
Jupiter Ascending 3D BR — As far as I am concerned, this is another great story with excellent sci-fi action from the Wachowskis. Overall, this film was panned, and it was poorly reviewed, but I really enjoyed it, and I thought that it was pretty original, and while it was a bit out there, it really had the same feel of most of their other work. Channing Tatum was excellent in this, and the action was awesome. I really am glad that I picked this up in 3D as well, because it really made it a great sci-fi movie for my collection.
Jurassic Park 3D BR — When I heard they were post converting this movie to 3D, I had very high hopes. When I heard that Steven Spielberg himself was in charge of the process, I was even more excited. Apparently, he saw what they did with Titanic, and he wanted the same to be done for Jurassic Park. The result is nothing short of impressive. It looks like most of this movie was shot in 3D. The post-conversion process is a perfect addition to this movie, and takes an already amazing movie to the next level. It’s like no time has passed since I saw this in the theater when I was in high school. Excellent movie, made only that much better by bringing it into the 3D realm! I hope they can do many more amazing conversions as good as this one is!
Jurassic World 3D BR — What a fantastic reboot of the franchise, one that managed to capture most of the wonder and excitement of the first film. The special effects were great, and the story, while definitely felt like an old friend, had a few twists and turns that made for a great popcorn flick. Overall, I really enjoyed it, and the 3D was pretty great. I absolutely loved the raptors this time around though; they did a great job of turning them sort of into heroes!
Kill Bill Vol. 1 BR — Whoa. WHOA!!!!! Ok, so I kind of knew what to expect, since I was told that this was Uma kicking ass, but I didn’t expect this, really, I didn’t. She really can wield a sword like a pro. And this is the ultimate Kung-Fu movie. Well done. The Bride is pissed, and she wants to kill Bill. That is for sure. Can’t wait for Vol. 2!!
Kill Bill Vol. 2 BR — The Bride is back, and yes, she is still pissed off, really, really pissed off. No seriously, folks, this lady is fuming. She is angry as a hornet sprayed in the eye with country fresh glade. Seriously angry indeed. But unlike the first volume of Kill Bill, she only kills one person. I love that subtle difference between the two volumes, being that she kills so many, and then so few, all while exacting her revenge. This movie (Vol. 1+Vol. 2) is phenomenal. Get it.
The Kingdom BR HD — A gripping thriller involving the investigation of a bombing of Americans on foreign soil. It invokes the drama and feelings that surrounded 9/11, and does so without being hokey or too sympathetic. I really enjoyed this movie, and parts of it were really scary, because they felt like they could actually happen. AND Jennifer Garner is stunning in it!
King Kong HD — Wow, this movie was looooooong. Seriously, they could have made it 1 hour and 45 minutes, and it would have been a LOT better. Overall, I got this, because it came with my HD DVD drive, and after watching it, I just felt like they tried WAY too hard. There is so much going on, that it just makes the whole viewing of this film exhausting. I was glad when it was over; even though the special effects are undeniably pretty (especially in HD).
Kingsman The Secret Service BR — When I first saw previews for this, I knew it was going to be good, and it did not disappoint. Colin Firth is excellent as a Kingsman agent out to take down an enemy threat, while helping to find a suitable replacement for a fallen fellow Kingsman. The spy aspect of the film was fantastic, reminiscent of Bond or other great spy movies, and the scene where Firth is in the church was down right amazing. While there were some parts that were a bit sad, I loved this movie, and I wanted to watch it again immediately once it was over. I heard that they will be making a sequel, which I certainly hope captures the freshness and oomph that this film so effortlessly displayed.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider HD BR — Want some good, mindless, action-filled fun?? Look no further than Tomb Raider! This movie was based on the video game, of the same name, and really is fun, like a video game. You get to see Angelina Jolie kick ass and take names, what more could you want? I could stand for there to be a little more plot, but I think that it does just fine without it. The action is nice, but is sometimes unbelievable, but what else do you expect? It is based on a video game!! So I say forgive, and just enjoy.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Crade of Life — Angelina Jolie is back as Lara Croft, in an additional movie based on the video game series. While I didn’t like this one as much as the first, I really thought it was a lot more eye candy that was both enjoyable, and just flat-out fun to watch. The reason I didn’t like it as much as the first, was basically the whole “cradle of life” story line, which was a little silly. I think that they were going for the camp feel in this one, so I will let it slide. Overall, the movie is fun to watch, and has some great action in it (but not as much as the first… in my opinion), but you shouldn’t be expecting Oscar-worthy work… but then again, does that even matter? Just enjoy.
The Legend of Hercules 3D BR — I mostly got this because I read the 3D was excellent, and that it was actually shot in 3D. That being said, the visuals and 3D are pretty great, but the story is a bit slow and could have used a little more editing. If you like Greek/Roman period pieces with the story elements of the god myths, you will probably enjoy this as much as I did. I really liked the story, and ended up enjoying this more than I thought I would; there’s more to the movie than just eye candy and great 3D!
Live Free Or Die Hard BR — Believe it or not, this was the first Die Hard movie that I have seen, and I was totally entertained by it. The plot is fantastic, and the action sequences are stellar. Top it all off with a uber-hot bald Bruce Willis (seriously, he gets more sizzling as he gets older!), and you have a great, and entertaining film to watch. Definitely a great action film.
Lucky Number Slevin — A GREAT plot, based on total and deserved revenge. You ever hear of a Kansas City shuffle? It’s when they look left, and you go right. Point is, if you piss off the wrong person, it may come back to get you in the end; in a way you would never expect. Excellent twist, and definitely a movie you will have to watch twice to truly appreciate. And Lucy Liu is from here on out, pure magically delicious goodness.
Lucy BR — Another fun, action-filled female driven Luc Besson movie; what’s not to enjoy? Lucy is about a girl who ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time, and ends up becoming a drug mule, but the interesting part, is that when the drug starts to leak out into her abdomen, she starts to gain more access to her brain, giving her superhuman abilities like telekinesis and mind control. Overall, it was a bit predictable, but it was enjoyable throughout, and I thought that ScarJo was excellent as always.
Machete BR — This movie was a full length film that was spawned from a mock trailer the was part of the Grindhouse double feature, Planet Terror and Death Proof. The result is a fantastic action movie that spoofs itself basically from the first minute. It is full of gore, action, sleaze, expected cliches, and the result is fantastic. While it is certainly a comedy in that it pokes fun of itself throughout the entire film, it is certainly a great action film that I enjoyed more than I expected to. If you love cheesy B movies, this is a very well made one; and one that never takes itself seriously for a second.
Machete Kills BR — A fun follow up to the first B-movie goodness that was a full-length slaughter fest inspired by a fake commercial in another movie. How fun!
Mad Max: Fury Road 3D BR — This doesn’t initially present as the type of movie that I would enjoy, especially because it is essentially a road race movie, but the action and over the top nature of this movie is a massive thrill ride that keeps you at the edge of your seat for the entire film. This is one of those movies that you jump into, and it carries you throughout, with no down dipping moments of doubt or rest, and pushes you to the max (ha!) throughout. The 3D was excellent in this one as well, and the fact that a lot of these vehicles and the action scenes were done live and not CGI just adds to the insanity of this crazy action film.
Maleficent 3D BR — A bit of a different take on the tale of Maleficent, the evil witch in the Sleeping Beauty tale, who infamously puts a curse on Aurora, causing her to prick her finger on a spinning wheel. In this movie, we see how Maleficent came to be, and how she grew up into a powerful woman, only to be betrayed by a man, whom she takes her revenge on in the form of the curse. The twist, which makes the whole thing more glorious, shows that Maleficent was truly good at heart, and the retelling of the tale may have gotten twisted over time. Great 3D effects, it’s just sad that I had to import this from the UK, as Disney decided not to release the 3D blu ray here in the US, again. Totally worth it, though, as this movie is excellent, and the 3D is great!
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. BR — Really pretty people being pretty, while doing spy things, and espionage galore; what’s not to enjoy? It has the Guy Ritchie feel, which makes it even better. Fun movie, and great visuals all around.
Man Of Steel 3D BR — Another Superman reboot, this time with Zack Snyder? Well, I knew the visuals and cinematography would be beautiful, and they were. The movie is gorgeous, and is a “new” origin story for Superman. I really like that they look at his alien side, because a lot of stories really don’t focus on that fact; they even start out on Krypton, which I also loved. There were problems with the movie, but overall, they are minor; this was a great action movie, and a great Superman story. Henry Cavill was gorgeous as Superman, and I felt like he really nailed it. The 3D was a nice addition, but doesn’t really elevate the film or anything, it just makes the viewing experience a little more immersive. Overall, a great popcorn action flick, one that any fan of Superman should enjoy; I know I did.
The Martian 3D BR — I didn’t know if I would like this movie or not, but I loved it. Matt Damon’s character is stranded on Mars, and he really uses his intelligence and humorous wit to survive under insurmountable odds. It is one of those heartwarming stories that is filled with humor and appropriate jokes about crazy scary situations, and makes you appreciate being able to just survive. I really liked this movie, and was pleasantly surprised by how much. The 3D is a welcomed element, that really takes the movie experience ot the next level for me; great overall.
The Matrix BR — This movie truly changed the way the action movie would be made forever. I absolutely love the concept of this story, in that our reality is actually a contrived one created by machines. I still remember the first time I saw this in the theater; it was amazing then, and it is still pretty amazing so many years later.
The Matrix: Reloaded BR — A much anticipated second part of a trilogy, and well worth the wait. It should have been called, The Matrix: “Oh my goodness, we have reinvented the way that special effects in movies were made before, now let’s take it to a new level!”, cause this movie kicks ass! Serious ass too. The plot is much more reliant on knowledge of the first movie, but all is good. It is worth it all just to see the beautiful and seamless fight scenes and special effects. Nice. This movie is honestly perfect save that 5 minute long cave-rave scene that just should have been cut out.
The Matrix: Revolutions BR — The trilogy is complete. I heard a lot about this movie not being as wonderful and awe inspiring as the first one, but most people tend to agree it was better than the second one. The special effects are magnificent, but I didn’t really like the weird ending. All in all, I would say that this is a great movie, when considering it is part of a wonderful and intelligent trilogy. In other words, it rocked, hard. (This movie on blu ray is a part of a double feature with Reloaded).
The Maze Runner BR — Another post-apocalyptic YA novel brought to the silver screen, and one that I all but avoided, until I saw it on HBO. I was surprised how fresh the story was, and how much I enjoyed it; and all of the actors, albeit young, are really talented. It really makes you want to know what will happen if, and when they get outside of that maze; perhaps we will have to wait for a sequel?
The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials BR — I really enjoyed the first movie more than I was expecting, so I had higher hopes this would keep the energy and freshness of the first film alive. I was not disappointed; another great movie, and it has me wanting to know what happens next; there is one more movie to go!
Men In Black BR — I remember really enjoying this movie when I saw it, waaaay back when. When MIB3 came out, I felt a need to get it for my collection. This movie is fresh, full of laughs, and a great, original story. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones make a great comedic/action duo, and the humor in this film is excellent. Great revisiting this movie, glad to have it in my collection.
Men In Black II BR — For whatever reason, I don’t remember seeing this. In fact, I don’t think I did, until recently, when I picked it up on blu ray. I bought it because I bought MIB3, and wanted one and two as well. After watching it, I can see why it was kind of a disappointment. It was sort of crass overall, and it is very clear that Will Smith is NOT having a good time filming this movie. It lacks the humor and freshness of the first, and overall, is just meh.
Men In Black 3D BR — Strange that they made a follow up this far after the previous, not-so-great sequel, but after seeing this, I am glad they did. This one is just as fun as the first, and the story is fresh, the humor is spot on, and the movie is very enjoyable. The 3D is great too, and a welcome addition to my collection. I am glad that I gave this a chance, because I ended up enjoying it way more than I thought I would.
Minority Report BR — This thriller follows a “pre-crime” cop who uses technology and premonition to stop crime before it happens; specifically murders. All is well, until he finds out a little more than he should, and that the great system of stopping crimes before they happen may not be the savoir of society it has turned out to be. Great action film; Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell both sizzle in this one. Pretty interesting concept realized in a great action movie.
Mission Impossible: III HD BR — This is one of those action movies that everything happens at the right time, your pulse gets to racing, and you can’t take your eyes off of the screen because you are afraid you will miss something. The plot is interesting, and the action is top notch. It is well made, and has JJ Abrams’ signature all over it; which is a really good thing. And best of all, it has Felicity as a spy! Holy cow! That is where he came up with the idea for Alias! Full circle! Definitely a great action film. I do wonder how Tom Cruise can handle all of the physicality he can in movies like this; I would be in a wheelchair!! He’s a machine!
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol BR — Not as fast paced, and not the all out action-fest the previous installment had, but it was darn good, and the inclusion of the Burj Khalifa was awesome. The story was on point, but the flow felt a little staggered; perhaps some better editing, and this could have been as much fun as the previous one. It is, however, a decent action film, worth watching.
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation BR — While these movies are a bit predictable, and basically have the same thematic and plot elements, they are fairly well made, and fun to watch. This one is another strong entry into the MI series.
Mr and Mrs Smith BR — First of all, what a great premise for a movie!! Two hired killers that are married, and don’t know the other is a hired killer! Also, they work for competing “killing agencies”! It just gets better. I loved this movie. Brad and Angelina sizzle. It was practically worth it for the scene where they are in the chase in the van. I can’t imagine being married to someone for 5 (no, 6) years, and lie about everything! But, in this movie, it works. And it works well. If you like lots of action, lots of fun, and two sexy stars, this movie is definitely for you! I can’t help but make this comparison: It is like making Vaughn and Sydney work on different sides, making them funny, and having neither one know about the other (FYI… Alias folks).
My Bloody Valentine 3D BR — It’s no lie that I got this solely for the 3D. I have to say, though, the whole slasher film in 3D concept is fun. There are a lot of pick axe through the screen moments, and the focus on the 3D takes this from silly to fun. I feel like I added a fun, somewhat terrible scary movie that I can enjoy in 3D when I feel like watching a bit of horror. Not bad, and it was cheap!
National Treasure BR — Now, this isn’t a bad movie by any means, but Nicholas Cage is insufferable. The story is cool, and the movie is actually quite enjoyable. James watches it EVERY SINGLE DAMN TIME IT IS ON TV, so I bought it for him on blu ray; so I can at least skip the commercials.
Oblivion BR — This movie was such a surprise. The previews didn’t do it any justice. It is a great sci-fi film, that has many twists and surprises that makes for a really enjoyable movie, especially for any sci-fi buff. While the story points are a bit bleak, overall, this movie takes a very cool original concept, and executed it beautifully.
The Others BR — This movie is scary! Nicole Kidman is dazzling as always. Lots of creep out effects in this weird story, and the twist at the ending was not what I saw coming.
Pacific Rim 3D 3D BR — When I saw trailers for this when it was coming to theaters, I was intrigued, but I figured I’d just wait for blu ray. Well, when it finally came out, I decided to go ahead and give it a shot. I was worried I wouldn’t like it, and I was right; I LOVED IT. This movie is everything a geek would love. Giant robots? Check. Giant aliens trying to exterminate humanity? Check. Bad ass characters and killer fight sequences? Check check. This movie is extremely well paced, and very well written. It is a truly awesome movie experience. Also, it is a visual treat. It must also be noted, that this is some of the best 3D conversion I have ever experienced. Del Toro KILLED it with this movie. This is one of those movies that I want to watch immediately again once the credits roll; it’s that good.
Paycheck BR — This movie should have faired better in the theaters (I am pretty sure it was backlash because of overexposure of Ben Affleck at the time). It is a pretty unique story line (guy build machine that can see future, but has memory erased, and has to figure it out before people that hired guy to make machine kills him), and it is pretty futuristic and cool. Also, Uma is in it, and rocks. This is definitely for people that like that whole action sci-fi thing, cause it is pretty good.
Piranha 3D 3D BR — This is a total camp horror/gore fest that anyone could enjoy. As a kid, I remember being terrified of piranhas because of the movie that came out so many years ago, and when I saw the preview for this, I knew I had to see this one. Seeing it in 3D was a treat; it is campy, fun, and full of schlock. This movie succeeds because it does not take itself seriously for one second; and that makes it even more fun.
Piranha 3DD 3D BR — The camp and fun continues in the follow up/sequel to Piranha 3D. I was eager to see this, seeing as I liked the other one so much, and the gore, camp horror, and fun goes to the water park. This one is much more adult oriented than their first one, but then again, the first one was pretty booby oriented as well; although this time, the title lets you know exactly what you are in for. That being said, it is good fun, never takes itself seriously for one minute, and it has the freaking Hoff!
Pitch Black HD — This movie was a freebie when I ordered a bunch of HD DVDs on ebay, but I watched it, and while I will never say it was a good movie, it was definitely entertaining, and pretty to watch in HD.
Plunkett and Macleane — A fun, campy period piece about two guys who rob from the rich, and well, just keep it. It is just a fun ride, and I quite enjoyed it, so I had to have it on DVD. Not to mention that Jonny Lee Miller is super cute in those period clothes!
Pompeii 3D BR — Going in, you know that the main point of this is to showcase a killer, literally, set of scenes of the city being devastated by the volcano eruption of the millennium, and in that respect, it does not disappoint. Special effects are amazing, and being shot in 3D by the guy that did most of the Resident Evil movies means a major focus on great special effects and great visuals. The story goes a bit further than this, however, into kind of a Gladiator-ish realm, with a little love story sprinkled in for good measure. The result is a pretty decent one off, where the actors are pretty, the visuals are lush, and the 3D is highly enjoyable. Just have fun and watch it.
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time BR — A great action film that was fun to watch, and enjoyable all around. Jake is hot as the Prince of Persia, and they injected just enough of the game into the movie to make lovers of the game spot the Prince’s signature moves throughout. I liked the story, thought the flow of the movie was great, and I was honestly surprised this movie didn’t fare better at the box office. Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I am glad to add it to my Blu-ray collection.
Prometheus 3D BR — I recently watched the original Alien movie to prepare for this, seeing as it is a prequel, and the movie definitely showed its age. That being said, I enjoyed it, and it got me more excited to see Prometheus. While the feeling of the film is similar, and you can definitely tell the two are linked, I don’t think seeing Alien is a prerequisite. This movie stands on its own quite well, and the story is very interesting. People discover evidence of life on other worlds, and somehow determine that they created us (how they got to that point, I don’t clearly get from the movie, but nevertheless, they believe it). They go to check it out, and sort of find what they are looking for, but also find other not-so-good stuff. The visuals are incredible. This movie was filmed in 3D, and it really shows; the attention to detail and the depth of the 3D is impressive. The movie is pretty good as well. If you are a fan of sci-fi and of great 3D, this is definitely one to see.
Pulp Fiction BR — I don’t know what took me so incredibly long to add this to my movie collection, but I honestly love this movie. I love the way Tarantino weaves the story, and the story is excellent. There are so many pieces that all fit together, even though they seem so separate. This movie is one of those movies that you will end up quoting over and over as well, because there are many, many memorable scenes and lines from it. Glad I finally got this, because this movie is bad ass, and it should be in every movie lover’s collection.
The Punisher — Based on the comic, a guy gets his whole family killed by a crime boss, and goes for vengeance. This movie is very violent, and at times hard to believe, but not if you are a fan of comic stories. Frank Castle is out for vengeance, and he kills a whole lot of people to get it. This movie has some great action and a pretty good story, whilst still sticking to the original comic. Check it out.
The Punisher: War Zone BR — Based on the comic, this franchise got a strange (the first one didn’t do well enough to justify a sequel, not to mention a reboot, did it?!), but welcome update. It is much darker than the previous installment with Tomas Jane, and it actually works much, much better. This Punisher is a no-holds barred, “take no shit” kind of guy, and makes a really gory scene with lots of action, that is totally enjoyable to watch. Also, Ray Stevenson = extremely hot; so what’s not to like?
Push BR — This movie is fun for people who love action, sci-fi, and comic book style stories. The story is about outcasts that are hunted by the government because of their psychic abilities. Dakota Fanning is really great in this movie, and Chris Evans is even more than some delicious eye candy himself. Overall, my only complaint is that they story wasn’t allowed to develop further; I would like to know what happened in the “end”. I really liked the cinematography and special effects; especially on Blu Ray.
Quantum of Solace BR — This one picks up right where Casino Royale left off; Bond finds himself desolate and down after being betrayed, but it makes him blood hungry for revenge. Acting a bit unhinged, this one is still sexy, hard, and gritty, but Bond’s injured heart makes him a little more reckless; which makes for a different, but still great movie. I really enjoyed this movie, but it lacked that extra something that made fall in love with the previous Bond film.
The Recruit — Colin Farrell does CIA. Secret agent man! Seriously, this is a lot like Alias/Bourne Identity, only really dark, and not as much going to the ends of the earth type stuff. I really enjoyed this movie, as I love secret agent stuff. This one is all about betrayal and tests of loyalty and whatnot. If you like CIA things and good action, you will love this too!
RED BR — RED stands for retired, extremely dangerous. Bruce Willis is a RED CIA agent, who becomes the target of a hit squad, and he enlists his fellow RED CIA friends to get to the bottom of it. It’s a fun movie, great action, and lots of humor throughout. Great story, and enjoyable to watch.
Resident Evil BR — Were those dogs inside out?? Can we say nightmare?? Seriously, this movie is my nightmare… virus on the loose, zombies around every corner, trapped in an underground facility with them; yikes! As long as I could kick ass like Milla Jovovich, then I guess it would be okay.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse BR — So here is the little sequel that could. If you didn’t like the first Resident Evil, or didn’t bother to go and see it, don’t bother to see this one until you do. It has a lot more butt kicking, and a lot less high tech-y things, but it is still good, none-the-less. This time, they are out of the hive, and things are going wild. Oh yeah, and the cute guy from the first one is now an evil zombie creature. So sad. Oh well… good zombie movies are always nice!
Resident Evil: Extinction BR — While they never again reached the pinnacle that was the first movie, this movie in the Resident Evil series was definitely a delight to a fan of the previous incarnations of the video game translation. I really liked the gritty feel that they conveyed from being in the desert, and I thought that the story was pretty good as well. Definitely an enjoyable action movie with a bad ass chick kicking some zombie ass; what’s not to love?
Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D BR — I will gladly admit that what makes this movie, is the 3D. It was shot using the same 3D technology as Avatar, and the result is simply amazing visuals throughout the film. If you have seen any of the previous three RE movies, you know what to expect; zombies, Umbrella corporation, and Alice and friends kicking ass and trying to survive. There may not be any real surprises here, but the formula still works, and with the 3D component, it works better than ever. If you are a fan of the series, you will enjoy this installment; it was better than the previous two.
Resident Evil: Retribution 3D BR — Much like the 4 (!!) previous Resident Evil films, this one again focuses in on Alice, and follows her through some zombie slaying mayhem. Again, she is trying to escape yet another slice of the apocalypse, brought upon her by the terrible Umbrella corporation. While I’ll admit that it was a bit of a mess the first time I watched it, it was much, much more enjoyable upon a second viewing. The action is excellent, and honestly, more of the focus than a plot. They brought back a lot of characters from the first films, which was interesting, but once you figure out what is going on, it doesn’t distract too much. The result is a fun entry into the Resident Evil franchise that really uses great 3D effects to highlight the action. They leave the ending open for another film, so who knows, we could see more from Alice in the future; I just hope it continues in 3D.
RIPD 3D BR — This is based on a comic book, and honestly, has a strong resemblance to Men in Black, in that there are two people, part of an agency, out to stop evil forces of the universe from taking over and causing havoc on earth. It is a fun movie, and while it wasn’t the best, it is certainly entertaining. If you liked Men in Black, you’ll probably like this one too.
Rocknrolla BR — Decent crime movie with some dark humor, and Gerard Butler looking amazing as ever. Also, just to be honest, the real selling point for me, was that Tom Hardy’s character, Handsome Bob, is gay. I would love to have some alone time with him.
The Rundown — I gotta say, I love me some action flicks, but this one is not only clever, it is just well done. Beck, the Rock’s character, goes to Brazil to bring back his boss’ son, and has to fight his way back with a slave herder/land owner on his tail. This definitely has an Indiana Jones factor, and that only makes it better. The fight scenes between the Rock and the rebels are awesome. This is definitely a very fun movie to watch.
Sahara — I usually don’t go for the “mindless action”, “flex your muscles and scream to jock music” movies, but this one was actually quite descent. Well, at least it is fun to watch. I must say, the draw back, for this, and well, all movies, is Penelope Cruz. She is not an actor, and should be stopped. But Matthew McConaughey and Steve Zahn make a great team, and call me crazy, but they are both pretty hot. This movie is definitely a good time, and should not be taken seriously. Cue Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride”…
Salt BR — This movie is more like 4.5 stars than 4. It is non-stop action and intrigue as you try to figure out just what Salt is up to. I wish this movie would have done better at the box office, because there is real franchise potential here; this is certainly on par with the Bourne movies. Angelina sizzles on screen as Salt, and reinforces that she is a total action bad ass yet again! I really enjoyed this movie, and it is one that you want to watch again immediately when the credits start to roll.
Scream BR — VERY well titled; you will definitely scream from the horror in this one! I remember seeing this in the theater when I was in college, and I was scared to go back to my empty dorm room! The horror is very intense, and it is one of those “this could probably actually” happen types of horror movies, which makes it even worse. It’s hyper-violent, bloody, and well, down right scary. There is a sense of humor to it though, and it is definitely one of the better horror movies I’ve seen.
The Sentinal — I truly didn’t know if I was going to enjoy this because of Michael Douglas, who was set up from the inside, working for the Secret Service. It really gets you thinking about all of the work that goes into protecting the president, and even makes you feel sorry for such a protected and essentially “trapped” man. Lots of action, lots of action, and lots of cool action. It also has a forbidden love twist, and Jack Bauer for crying out loud! That definitely made it better for me.
Sherlock Holmes BR — While I really liked this movie, I think I will need to see it again, and as such, the rating may go up. Robert Downey Jr is PERFECT as Sherlock Holmes, and his teaming with Jude Law is also wonderful to watch. The story is great, and there is just enough intrigue and action to keep the movie moving along, and it kept me wanting more until the end. I really loved the way that Guy Ritchie made it feel truly like a period film with the great costumes and lots of special effects for the background and sets. Overall, great fun, and the cinematography really shines in high definition.
Sherlock Holmes: Game Of Shadows BR — ALMOST as good as the first one, it’s the next chapter feature Sherlock and Watson. The action was excellent, but the story lacked the same umpf the first one had. The inclusion of infamous villain Moriarty was excellent though; fans of the literary Holmes should definitely check it out. James loved it, I really, really liked it.
Shooter HD — A pretty good action thriller, with the whole, “I’ve been set up” theme to it. Mark Wahlberg certainly proves himself to be a pretty good actor in most of his movies, and this one is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and so, here it is in our collection.
Sin City BR — I really meant to see this in the theater, but due to mixed reviews, I didn’t. It is supposedly a literal translation of the Frank Miller comic, which is pretty exciting. And it is actually a shame that I didn’t go see it, because it was awesome. I have never seen anything like this before. You feel like you are watching a literal translation, for sure. I loved it. It was really dark, but it was really good too. And Jessica Alba is my new favorite… love her and Brittany Murphy in this one!
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow BR HD — I seriously don’t care what anyone has to say about this movie. It was f-in sweet. Just the thought that it was all green-screen makes me shiver. There is a ton going on in this film, and it was wicked-cool. If there are more movies that are on the way like this one, the part of me that loves sci-fi welcomes them, one and all. Bring it on.
Skyfall BR — Definitely one of the most beautiful, and totally on point Bond themes to date, Adele’s gorgeous intro sets up the scene for more delicious espionage in the third Daniel Craig as Bond film. This time, they take on a villain that seems hellbent on making M suffer, and they hit Bond at a more personal level right off the bat, forcing some soul searching and questioning of his spy-hard lifestyle. Overall, it makes a great Bond story, with a realness not totally realized before now.
Source Code BR — This is a sci-fi thriller, where they relive the same moment over and over in an effort to better understand a certain point (in this case, to find a bomber on a train). While it is slightly repetitious, they do a great job of moving the story along, and the plot points are interesting, and definitely get you thinking. Overall, it’s a fun thriller, and the twist at the ending was very nice, and unexpected. Jake, of course, sizzles in this; but then again, it’s Jake. No complaints from me!
Spectre BR — Another entry into the James Bond series with Daniel Craig as 007. He is very believable in the role, and does another bang up job in this one; although the plot sort of goes all over the place, and at times, feels like it needs to be reeled in. The only other critique about the movie is that it runs too long, and would have been more enjoyable with a bit more editing. Regardless, great Bond film, and can’t wait for the next one.
Spider-man BR — This is a pretty good, decent, and fun super-hero movie. We all know I love those. I like how they introduce you to Spider-man, and set up his story. Not much more than that, though. Tobey Maguire as Spider-man is a perfect role casting IMHO. Also, one note about this movie: In the comic book, the webs didn’t come from his arm, he had to invent a device that created the webs, using his new knowledge of spider webs. Movie mess up!!!
Spider-man 2 BR — Bigger and badder than the original. This movie took the Spiderman franchise into hyper-drive. I totally loved this movie. I was pumped to see it, and I was NOT disappointed. Great special effects, great love story between Peter Parker and Mary Jane, and fantastic story line about Doc Ock. Must see. One of the best reviewed movies of 2004!! And for good reason!
Spider-man 3 BR — While it lacked the really strong story and genuine goodness of the second one, this movie was definitely enjoyable to watch. Lots of great special effects, and perhaps most awesome of all, was the introduction of my favorite Spiderman bad-guy; Venom. The problems I had with this film were simple; too much in such a small package. I think 3 enemies was a little too much for the film, and they should have just focused more on Venom. Perhaps they won’t overload the next one. Overall, I quite enjoyed it.
Stardust HD BR — While this could easily fit in comedy, this fantastic fairytale is just too action packed to go there. This is the story of a guy who wishes on a fallen star, promises he will retrieve it for a girl he pines for, and on his way to find it and return it, he learns of a whole new world of magic and wonder. A VERY well acted movie by all involved, with the standouts being Claire Danes, Michelle Pfieffer, and Robert De Niro. I LOVED this movie, and it is one of those films that leaves you with a big grin from ear to ear as you are watching it. It looks amazing in HD too!
Star Trek: Generations BR — The first of the Next Generation movies, this one cleverly ushers Kirk out, and Picard in. The story is good, but the movie is a bit long, and can drag at bit in parts. Overall, a great first movie for this excellent show.
Star Trek: First Contact BR — NAILED IT. This is the best of the Next Generations movies, as far as I am concerned. The Borg go back in time to earth to assimilate the human race pre-warp technology! Yikes!! The Borg Queen is wicked, and Data has a true test of humanity. I love how this tied in with Picard’s experience with Borg as Locutus, and how it all played out. Excellent movie, and definitely one of my favorite Star Trek stories ever.
Star Trek: Insurrection BR — Rising up against the Federation AND challenging the Prime Directive? Oh hell yeah, Picard! This one is a lot like a history lesson where the bad guys are the colonists who are displacing an innocent race of peaceful people who don’t have a way to defend themselves; lucky for them, the crew of the Enterprise comes to their rescue.
Star Trek: Nemesis BR — Man, Picard is like THE guy that everyone wants on their team; first the Borg, now the Romulins. They make a clone of Picard, and well, all hell breaks loose. Gritty, and darker than the previous films. Also, the last of the Next Generations films.
Star Trek BR — I had high expectations for this remake; being that it was a remake of one of the most beloved sci-fi franchises next to Star Wars, AND the fact that it was JJ Abrams at the helm. Well, all I can say is that I was completely blown away, and all of my expectations were not only met, but completely shattered. Great action, great acting, and a great ensemble cast all over. I can’t wait for the next one; especially if it anywhere as near as good as this one was.
Star Trek Into Darkness 3D BR — The second outing from the new-old Star Trek crew, shows just how great the casting was for this reboot. The cast fulfills each role so well, and their interplay with one another makes you really believe in them; and it makes you want more sequels (especially if they are going to be as great as this one). I only had a minor issue with the fact that it was kind of a remake (the original Wrath of Kahn), but that being said, it is fresh enough to be very enjoyable. I wasn’t very happy with the ending, however, as the movie packs so much punch, amazing story, and great character development, that the ending just kind of felt like a fizzle. That being said, it’s a great movie, and one that I really enjoyed. The 3D element is not forced, and makes for a great and more immersive viewing experience in my opinion, as well.
Star Wars: The Prequel Trilogy (Episodes I, II, and III) BR — I only saw one of these when they came out originally, and I was on the fence about getting them on blu ray. After watching the original trilogy, I knew I had to get them. I know that a lot of fans of Star Wars have very strong feelings about these films, but honestly, after seeing them, I thought they were very good, and really set up the story for the original trilogy quite well. It is also nice to see all of the special effects that Lucas used, because it shows how thorough his vision is. The movies have their flaws, but overall, they are very enjoyable.
Star Wars: The Original Trilogy (Episodes IV, V, and VI) BR — I remember really liking these movies as a kid, but I can’t say as I remembered the actual films all that well. I have been wanting them on blu ray ever since they were released. I finally got them for Christmas this year 2012, and I am jazzed to add this to my blu ray collection. The movies were great in high definition. There is some debate amongst purists about the changes that Lucas made to these films, but honestly, I have no complaints. Great movies on blu ray; a must for my movie collection.
Super 8 BR — For whatever reason, I avoided seeing this movie for the longest time, and I honestly have no idea why. Then, it came in the mail from Netflix, and I watched it and LOVED it. It’s a little bit Goonies, and a little bit E.T. and a lot of amazing special effects, excellent performances, action, suspense, and visual stimulation. This movie is the penultimate action film. The train scene is INTENSE, and almost unreal. Overall, I absolutely LOVED this movie, and was kicking myself for not seeing it sooner. Anyone that loves great movies, and great movies from directors like JJ Abrams and Steven Spielberg, then this is THE film for your collection.
Superman BR — What can I say other than it’s Superman!?! Seriously, given that this movie was made the year I was born, the special effects and story are an A+. Because of the fact that it is inevitably compared to superhero/special effects laden movies made today (i.e., Superman Returns), it does lose one star. But, that is not to say that this movie is anything less than extremely well made, and super entertaining. If you love superhero movies, this one is truly a classic!
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut BR — I had never seen this cut, and I am glad that Donner made it; it really feels more like a proper sequel to the first film, and it struck out a lot of the silliness of the previous cut. Additionally, the special effects are a bit cheesy by today’s standards, but they are impressive seeing as they were made before CGI was fully realized. Overall, very enjoyable.
Superman Returns HD BR — I don’t care what anyone says; this is one of the best sequels I have seen, ever. The action is top notch, the acting is great, and the story is awesome. They totally captured the vibe of the old Superman movies, while updating it at the same time. I am very excited to see what comes with the next Superman movie; if it is anything like this one, it will be fantastic. I loved this movie!
Taken BR — DO NOT piss off Liam Neeson! This movie is a very realistic and gripping thriller that examines what one man would do to get his daughter back after she was kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery. Very gritty, raw, and intense!!
Terminator Salvation BR — This is definitely my favorite of the Terminator series of stories/films. Christian Bale is great as John Connor, and Sam Worthington is complete eye candy as the terminator. Overall, the action is great, the gritty feel of the post-apocalyptic landscape is spot on, and in blu ray, this movie is an action feast for the eyes.
Thor 3D BR — I was skeptical about this one, but after seeing it in the theater, it was a no-brainer to have this in my collection; this movie far and above exceeded my expectations. The story is awesome, the visuals are great, and despite the long hair, Chris Hemsworth as Thor is quite the package to enjoy. If you enjoy comic book adaptations, this is a VERY good one; and the mythology behind it is captivating. Great story, great movie!!
Thor: The Dark World 3D BR — A beautiful sequel to such a strong story; Marvel is really nailing these movies. The 3D in this one is much better than the first, and the story is picks up right shortly after the events of the Avengers movie. This keeps you interested, and then the movie takes its own reigns, and again, Marvel takes you in a great direction. Very enjoyable movie, great story, and still has the whimsy and humor of the first.
This Means War BR — I don’t know why, but I completely forgot about this movie, and randomly rented it with some friends. Boy, I was surprised when it was fantastic! All three leads sizzle, and the story is cute and the action just adds to the likability of it. This was burgeoning on Mr and Mrs Smith territory for me; lots of fun, lots of heart, and full of sexy action. I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this movie. I didn’t LOVE the ending, but I did get it. Also, can we just talk about how fucking sexy Tom Hardy is??!
Titanic 3D BR — This is one of those movies that was so hyped that I was bound to hate it. I remember seeing it, and liking it despite the over-hype, and I was curious to see the 3D conversion that Cameron did himself. The cheesy moments are still there (I mean, he’s the king of the world, remember?!), but this time, in glorious 3D HD. I have to say, the conversion is incredible; it looks like it was filmed in 3D for most of the movie. While I STILL think that it could be edited down (we don’t need most of the first half, and what we need moves far too slowly), but the sinking of the boat was incredible. Overall, a great movie that has a great new life in 3D. Definitely glad I picked this one up.
Total Recall (2012) BR — A remake that makes the old movie fresh, and new. Colin Farrell is great, and the story goes in a little bit of a new direction that takes the idea of the original movie and updates it nicely. Great action flick, fun sci-fi movie with Kate Beckinsale kicking ass like usual. I really enjoyed it, and am glad they remade it, and remade it well.
The Town BR — Gritty and intense, this movie really surprised me because of how much I liked it. Ben Affleck directs this Boston driven bank heist film that highlights a dark underside of the characters, and weaves an intricate plan for a heist that will “solve” their money woes. There is a lot of violence, shockingly so at times, and the movie is raw. Ben Affleck is positively delicious in this, and brings his home town’s dark underbelly to the limelight. Great movie.
Transformers HD BR — I don’t think that I was alone with fear that a live action Transformers movie would really suck. With that in mind, I still ventured out to see it, and I have to say, it was hands down, one of the best movies of the year. It is fantastic. The special effects are amazing, and the story was right in line with what I remember from my childhood. Michael Bay totally did one of my favorite childhood shows complete justice. Also, Shia LeBouf is amazing in this movie… seriously, hilarious, and amazingly good at acting. He carried this movie! I LOVE YOU SHIA!!! Seriously, if you are interested in a GREAT action movie, then this is your movie! One of the best of that year!
Transformers Age of Extinction 3D BR — So we did three movies, so lets just make a fourth one, that picks up where the third one ended, but sort of disavow the previous three? Interesting… Either way, it is a good effort to “reboot” the franchise, and overall, does so pretty successfully. Mark Walhberg steps in and takes the reigns nicely, and overall, the story is good and the action is top notch. The only problem with this movie, is that it is about an hour or so too long. It could have used a lot of editing to make it more digestible.
Transformers: Dark Of The Moon 3D BR — This movie has “let’s pretend the second one didn’t happen” written all over it. The story is fresh, the plot isn’t very skippy and their aren’t holes you could sail a ship right through (like the second one), and the use of the NASA space race as a part of the plot is excellent. The visuals are great, the special effects are on par with the first, and the 3D is some of the best live action 3D that I have seen yet. This installment is back on track, and is almost on par with the first Transformers film; and it actually makes me hope for more. The only negative, is that it is a bit long, and as such, feels a little long. Other than that, excellent 3D action film, for sure.
Tron: Legacy 3D BR — I don’t remember much about the original Tron movie, but what I do remember, the light cycles and the glowing costumes, was pretty cool. Well, they turned the volume all of the way up in this sequel; the special effects are top notch, and the action was taken to a new level. I loved all of the lush visuals, and the 3D was fun!! With the Daft Punk-driven soundtrack, this movie is a truly audio/visual treat to enjoy. The only comment I have negative, is that when they digitally altered Jeff Bridges to make him look younger to play his unaged nemesis CLU, it looks, well, very off-putting. I don’t know if they meant him to look inhuman, so if they did, they succeeded. Overall, great eye candy, and fun movie all around. AMAZING soundtrack.
Troy BR — A visually stunning take on the classic story of Helen of Troy, and the ensuing war that comes when she is abducted from her even king of a husband. It was really violent and bloody, but the special effects were superb. It was like Gladiator in Greece instead of Rome (with actual historical context)!
Unbreakable BR — Maybe I just didn’t get it the first time I saw it, but initially, I didn’t like this movie. However, I was curious to watch it again, and when I did, I think that I got what I had missed originally. This movie is beautiful, and a fanciful story that would be truly awesome if it were real. It looks into the notion that explores what life would be like if comic books weren’t fiction, and instead were just mildly exaggerated accounts of real heroes. Bruce Willis is amazing in this movie, and the way that he deals with each situation is heartfelt and endearing.
Underworld BR — Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman make the vampire/werewolf love thing look good, really good. This is a kick ass vampire/werewolf movie where they are in an all out war with one another. Wait for the plot twist, you might not continue to side with the vampires like I did going in to seeing it!
Underworld: Evolution BR — A kick ass sequel to the first, this movie kicks vampire and Lycan ass. If you liked the first, you will probably dig this one, but if not, steer clear. I can’t wait to see the third and final one! If this one is any indication, it will be action packed and fun!
Underworld: Rise of The Lycans BR — The prequel to the original Underwold, this one sheds the skin tight leather, and Matrix-like action for grungy castles, and sword play, ala Medieval times. While not as slick as the other two (because of said lack of shiny “futuristic” gun battles), this one does not disappoint. It was also nice to finally have the whole story about the war between the Lycans and the Vampires.
Underworld Awakening 3D BR — I was glad to see Selene is back and badder than ever in this fourth installment of the Underworld franchise. After the blast to the past in the third film, this one hops back into the future, and revives the seemingly undying franchise. The 3D sparkles, and the action is fun. The story felt a bit stale, and the omission of Scott Speedman was a bummer, but I hold out hope that he’ll be back for number 5. Overall, another great entry into this series.
V for Vendetta BR — Wow, wow, wow. This movie is so fantastic, it is hard to believe. Definitely the 1984 of 2006. It looks at what happens when a government takes control over its people under the guise of “protecting” them. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Fed up with the treatment he and others have received, V dresses as the famous Guy Fawkes, and promises to succeed where Guy had failed (in blowing up Parliment). This movie is not to be missed, especially because it is so scary that this is one possible outcome of the current political events that are currently occurring today. I for one hope not, but if it is, then I hope we have the courage to stand up and fight, just like V. Viva la revolution!
The Walk 3D BR — The premise of this movie is simple, it is a true story of a man who dared to walk a high wire between the twin towers shortly after they were built. Was he successful? Well, he’s still alive, so my guess is yes. That being said when you add the element of 3D, and a great back story, and well written script, the result is a great movie about something that actually happened, surprisingly, and amazingly. The wonder and excitement permeates this film, and it had me on the edge of my seat; the 3D is a MUST with this movie. The director used the 3D expertly, and makes you feel like you were up on top of those towers. It is a movie that is nerve-wracking, despite the fact that you know it was done successfully, but you worry the entire time that he is going to fall from that wire. I loved how they wove in the story of how he planned and executed everything that it took to make this covert operation a success as well, as it really made it that much more spectacular. Great movie.
Wanted BR — While the premise is totally not-realistic, this movie was enjoyable to watch from beginning to end. Full of over the top action, mixed with well timed and well written comedic moments, this movie did not disappoint. It really helped that they let Angelina be as sexy as ever, and as usual, let her rightly steal the show. The only part I didn’t like, was the ending; which I know was sort of necessary, but still, I wish that things would have turned out differently for Fox. That’s just my issue. Other than that, I am really glad to have this one in my collection.
Watchmen: Director’s Cut BR — I will start by saying that I never read the graphic novel before I saw this; I saw too much negativity coming from fanboys about how the “translation didn’t live up to the original” that I just wanted to see the movie and be able to enjoy it for what it was. That being said, I LOVED this movie. It was a visual feast for the eyes, and the stories of each of the heroes was interesting and engaging. I loved the special effects (CGI blue penis! LOL), and the action was just as beautiful as the drama portrayed on the screen. Now, having seen it, I have gotten the book, and my first impression, is that the movie was pretty damn faithful to the book (much like Snyder’s last film, 300, was to the book on which it was based). He payed especially important attention to little details that I felt melded well with the book (many of the “critical” panels of the comic were simply translated onto the scene, with eerily accurate detail), and helped to bring the story to the screen. Purists may not find what they wanted, but I honestly don’t think that that anyone has much cause for complaint; it was an awesome book, and the movie is awesome in and of itself. Yes they changed the ending, but for me, the movie ending made more sense anyway. In my opinion, Watchmen the movie, is a great, entertaining film with an attention to detail that should have those fanboys pulling their foot out of their mouth; not bitching about “purity” and other things that really don’t matter in the end.
The Wolverine 3D BR — As much as I want to dislike Wolverine, mostly because he’s everybody’s favorite, I do really love his character, and they do a great job of portraying him through Hugh Jackman. This one follows a time just after X-men 3, and it is a bit more of a soul searching and character redefinition for Wolverine more than a typical comic book movie. I enjoyed the difference, and while the 3D is much more subtle, it is a nice depth that is added, and as always, a welcome feature.
World War Z 3D BR — A crazy zombie virus takes over the world in this non-stop intense thriller. The zombies are relentless, and the infection and the “turning” process happens super fast; upping the ante on previous zombie movies. Brad Pitt is a great leading man in this movie, frantically traipsing the world trying to find the origin and hopefully a cure for this disease that is RAPIDLY wiping out the world. The story was good, and the action was great. The 3D was subtle, but nice. I heard they deviated pretty wildly from the book, which I would be interested in reading after seeing this movie, as I liked the movie, and would like to see just what was left out. This is a great popcorn thriller, for sure; you just might inadvertently spill some with a jolting fright or two!
Wrath of the Titans 3D BR — I honestly liked this second installment of the Titans series better than the first. The story is more interesting, and the action is excellent. The 3D is great, and I don’t know why all the critics panned this; again, if you are expecting an intellectual movie, you are looking in the wrong place. This movie knows its place, and it delivers; almost non-stop action from beginning to end. Really enjoyable.
X-Men BR — I LOVE X-MEN! (’nuff said)
X2: X-Men United BR — As I said before, I love the X-Men, but this time, they really went out of their way. Nightcrawler happens to be my ultra-favorite character from the comics, and he is beautifully portrayed throughout this movie. LOVE IT! (also, this one is more fun than the first one) If they keep on this path, the third one should be the ultimate!
X3: The Last Stand BR — Hands down, the best X-men movie of the franchise. I hope that this isn’t the last one, as the name suggests, because it is almost like they were just honing their craft. Here’s keeping my fingers crossed for X4 and so on. Love this movie.
X-Men First Class BR — Definitely one of the best X-Men movies to date. This is another “origin story” of sorts, that looks at the beginning of the X-Men (their “first class” of mutants), but more importantly, the beginning of Xavier and Magneto’s relationship, which was cool to see. Excellent story, and the way they did a retelling of past events (the Cuban missile crisis) was pretty cool. Great movie all around.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine BR — The only real issues I had with this movie were the jumpy plot execution and the special effects of Wolverine’s claws in a few scenes. Other than that, it was a action feast that was very entertaining to watch in high definition. I doubt it would win awards, but boy was it was fun to watch.