Ben's Movie Reviews

[sixpac shakur]

I went to the Iron Man screening last night. Iron Man is a Marvel comic superhero. Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr) is a young businessman and engineering genius who has built an empire creating state of the art weaponry for the US military.

On a trip to the war zone in Afghanistan, Stark's convoy gets ambushed by terrorists resulting in shrapnel embedding near his heart. Only an electromagnet implanted in his chest prevents the shrapnel from piercing his heart. Stark then builds a metal suit and exacts revenge.

I am not a superhero movie fan. I only went because my husband was dying to see it. He loved it, I thought it was ok. Robert Downey Jr. was brilliant casting. He made the movie for me. Gwenyth Paltrow was horribly cast as the love interest. The special effects were good but I felt there wasn't enough action. The final scene was anti-climactic. My husband stated that the movie stayed pretty true to the comic book.

The movie is rated PG-13 and I give it a C-.

[DarkFury]

I am not a superhero movie fan. I only went because my husband was dying to see it. He loved it, I thought it was ok.

OMG... you are a "she" not a "he"?

All this time... I didn't know. (I guess the avatar and name didn't convey that.)

[sixpac shakur]

We got married in Canada where gay marriage is legal.

J/K, yes last time I checked I still have my girlie bits.

[DarkFury]

We got married in Canada where gay marriage is legal.

J/K, yes last time I checked I still have my girlie bits.

Bwaaa haa haa haa...

Learn something new EVERY day.


Ummm.. can we have photos of said "girlie bits" as proof of gender please...

(j/k... well maybe not if you are willing to send the pics. )

[sixpac shakur]

You've already got a photo of me in your avatar.

[DarkFury]

You've already got a photo of me in your avatar.

Ummmm... yeah....

so which one are you?

[dogopoly]

Revelation, 6pk!

Made of Honor

This was the story of a guy who's a "playa" but always hangs out with a girl he accidentally met in college who wanted nothing to do with his advances.

When she goes off on a trip to Scotland, she brings back the news that she has found the man she will marry. Meanwhile when she was gone, he comes to the realization that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. When she asks him to be her "Maid of Honor", his friends convince him that it will allow him to win back the girl.

The story line was pretty predictable, they acting was quite good without a lot of silly scenes, and the cast of characters was interesting (although the basketball guy seems useless--you'll know what I mean when you see it.) Overall, it seemed to me that it was written by a bunch of women who researched what men do and assumes that that's the way we live our lives. They did a decent job, but I'd still call it a chick-flick, good to bring a girlfriend (whether you're male or female) but I'd keep it to the cheap matinée. I'll give it a weak B because it was so predictable (I even figured out the time on the clock without seeing it when she's in bed in Scotland!)

[Scorpio006]

Bwaaa haa haa haa...

Learn something new EVERY day.


Ummm.. can we have photos of said "girlie bits" as proof of gender please...

(j/k... well maybe not if you are willing to send the pics. )

TO THINK ALL THIS TIME....
SIXPAC IS A FEMALE...HUH ?!?!?!?!

NEVER WOULDA GUESSED IT !!!!

[thresher]

Uhm. I hate to remain off-topic, but holy crap! Sixpac is a girl? (woman)?!!?! :jawdrop: All this time I never knew. And to remain on-topic... I can't wait to see Iron Man Friday night at my tiny tiny little theatre in StAugustine. Guys, I have to take a picture of this theatre for you folks to believe how small it is. It is honestly 20 feet across for its entrance. 1 (ONE!) ticket window. Like an old photomat booth. It's so quaint and yet they play first run movies (grateful !).

[sixpac shakur]

Sorry, Mods. One more off-topic post.

These reactions are hilarious! I imagine the same reaction from Eddie Murphy when he picked up the tranny hooker...

"Whoa, you're a what???"

[chickynik]

this is a little off topic since it isn't a movie review, but does anyone know what was included in the raffle giveaway last night at the Maid of Honor screening?

Ben, I think you must have been sitting near me, becuase I heard someone say something about it being 3 o'clock in the morning before Hannah said it to Tim...haha...I thought that was funny

[dogopoly]

this is a little off topic since it isn't a movie review, but does anyone know what was included in the raffle giveaway last night at the Maid of Honor screening?

Ben, I think you must have been sitting near me, becuase I heard someone say something about it being 3 o'clock in the morning before Hannah said it to Tim...haha...I thought that was funny

I'm Dogo, not BenDogg

I was in row 6...girl in front of me grabbed a T-shirt. Two seats left won the big prize! I don't know what was in the rest of the prize packs.

But I'm assuming that with a name like "chickynik" you must be a girl ((but these day's we're just never sure from screen names, right )
So how did YOU like the movie from a girl's perspective?

[thresher]

Saw Iron Man tonight - Was very pleased but they could have shown 3 hours of green screen and I would have been tickled. I am a Marvel fanboy and a Robert Downey fanboy, so I was screwed! The only complaint I had was that the CG was really antiquated. There is a chest scene between Paltrow and Downey where she plays "operation" where the cgi is so bad I laughed out loud. But all-in-all the casting was spot on. Favreau (director) and I must be blood brothers considering the placement of props: old airplane antiques, hot rods, jukeboxes, some other more personal stuff. Kinda weird actually. Like he was stalking my apartment.
B+/A- on the effects, A on the story and A++ on the casting. Can't wait for the sequel(!)

[The Happy Squirrel]

Saw Harold and Kumar last night

as to be expected it was pretty dumb, but its good for a few laughs probally a rental though, save your big sccreen cash for Iron man,

[dogopoly]

Saw Harold and Kumar last night

as to be expected it was pretty dumb, but its good for a few laughs probally a rental though, save your big screen cash for Iron man,

Agreed...H&K was very raunchy but still pretty funny. If you can deal with the language and drug references, it's definitely worth the rental. But definitely not for kids.

[The Happy Squirrel]

Agreed...H&K was very raunchy but still pretty funny. If you can deal with the language and drug references, it's definitely worth the rental. But definitely not for kids.

hehe best two quotes

"dude, the klan throws some kick ass parties"
"whoa, that was close, i almost hit that unicorn"

[chickynik]

Hey Dogopoly...
I was the girl 2 seats over from you! I called into the station and found out the prize consisted of: $300 gift certificate to Nicks at the Beach or Nicks at the Pier, 2 nights stay at the San Deigo Sheraton, 1 hour facial or massage, and a hair and make-up session! WOW! and to think I was upset about not catching one of the shirts!! The funny thing about it all was when I was filling out the raffle ticket, my BF said "I don't know why you always fill those things out...you never win!" Never gonna win if you don't try right?!?!
As for my p.o.v. on the movie...I loved it. But then again, I'm a hopeless romantic, so I love sappy movies like that with happy endings

[dogopoly]

Hey Dogopoly...
I was the girl 2 seats over from you! I called into the station and found out the prize consisted of: $300 gift certificate to Nicks at the Beach or Nicks at the Pier, 2 nights stay at the San Deigo Sheraton, 1 hour facial or massage, and a hair and make-up session! WOW! and to think I was upset about not catching one of the shirts!! The funny thing about it all was when I was filling out the raffle ticket, my BF said "I don't know why you always fill those things out...you never win!" Never gonna win if you don't try right?!?!
As for my p.o.v. on the movie...I loved it. But then again, I'm a hopeless romantic, so I love sappy movies like that with happy endings

It's so much fun to know that you won and you're here on the board, too! (I'd say HI to you at the next movie but I forgot what you look like...oh well. Enjoy the prizes and I'm glad you like the movie. (I actually did too, but I think it works really well as a rental on a rainy Saturday evening.)

--
Meanwhile, I saw IronMan yesterday and rather enjoyed it, although a few parts were far-fetched (although I guess it's sci-fi.) I'd give it a very strong B+ for action, good plot and good acting. I'm real curious what they'll do with the inevitable sequel.

[bendogg]

I saw Prince Caspian on opening weekend with my wife and brother. This is the second movie in the Chronicles of Narnia series. I read most of the series as a kid, but it is not necessary to have read them to enjoy the movies (like you kinda need to to enjoy the Harry Potter movies).

The movie was very enjoyable! Lots of Lord Of The Rings-style battle/army scenes without all the complicated back story. The CGI Father Water was amazing! The only knock on the story is that you don't really get to know the characters. I'll give this one a strong A-.

[sixpac shakur]

Ahhh...back to the transgender scene of the crime. Although it appears I can get married in California now!

Son of Rambow is a British film that follows two unlikely friends through the process of making a sequel to First Blood. One friend is shy and introverted, the other is a school troublemaker. The friendship grows as it follows their adventures into amateur film making.

The movie had it's cute moments but it was slow during the beginning. It might be good for older kids who won't be scared of "special effects" movie monsters that they make out of tin cans and such.

The one thing I liked about the movie is that it's set in the 80s so it's got a great soundtrack. I wouldn't pay to see it in the theater but it would be good rental.

B-

[GraingerGuy]

I saw it too. I'm gonna give it a B-.
It's basically the story of a guy from Boston who is friends with a n old Chinese thrift shop owner. When the owner gets shot in a robber, he tells the boy to take a samurai sword and return it to its owner. The magical powers of this sword transport the boy to China through a "non-portal portal". He soon gets befriended by a drunk (Jackie Chan) who saves him from an imperial army. The drunk turns out to be an amazing martial arts expert. The two begin their trek to find the owner of the sword--the Monkey King--who was turned to stone during a challenge. The sword will bring him back to life. The two meet up with a few allies to try to take down the evil warlord.

The graphics were a bit crude at times, the fight scenes were reminiscent of the old karate fight scenes of the movies from the 70s, and the story line was somewhat predictable, but the chemistry of the actors was good and there were enough chuckles to make it fun. Definitely not a top notch movie, but if you like this style, you'll probably find it fun enough. I'd call it the Karate Kid meets the Matrix.

I just saw this...I would give it a solid B to B+. I guess it's because I was a HUGE fan of the legend of the Stone Monkey King and it was nice seeing another interpretation of the beginning of the legend. It was definately cheesy at times, but it was still very entertaining.

[RoniMan]

Kung Fu Panda

I felt so strongly about this movie that I have to post.

SOLID A+!!!

Synopsis: Po, the Panda, felt he was destined for more in his life. As his village is threatened, he has to learn kung fu to save his village.

Even though the story is simple, the writing is excellent. I laughed all the way through the movie. They filled it with enough action to keep everyone happy. Great for families, and dates, or just something to watch for fun.

[TofuNinja]

Kung Fu Panda

I felt so strongly about this movie that I have to post.

SOLID A+!!!

Synopsis: Po, the Panda, felt he was destined for more in his life. As his village is threatened, he has to learn kung fu to save his village.

Even though the story is simple, the writing is excellent. I laughed all the way through the movie. They filled it with enough action to keep everyone happy. Great for families, and dates, or just something to watch for fun.

My GF said she loved this one... she didn't want to see it at first so she was surprised. She watched it with her mother and sister without me We will watch it in IMAX hahaha

[dogopoly]

Kung Fu Panda

I felt so strongly about this movie that I have to post.

SOLID A+!!!

Synopsis: Po, the Panda, felt he was destined for more in his life. As his village is threatened, he has to learn kung fu to save his village.

Even though the story is simple, the writing is excellent. I laughed all the way through the movie. They filled it with enough action to keep everyone happy. Great for families, and dates, or just something to watch for fun.

Thanks for the review...I've only heard good things about this so I *may* just go see it, or certainly on video.

BTW
I see you've been Simpsonized

[thresher]

Saw "Don't Mess With the Zohan" - at 2 hours this movie feels as long as it is. It had a brilliant trailer and I was enthusiastic about going so I was a willing audience (the first Adam Sandler movie I wanted to see since Happy Gilmore - which was brilliant btw). As an anti-terrorist in his homeland, Zohan is ultra macho but bored with his existence. He has a dream to work for Paul Mitchell styling hair. He fakes his death, stows away to America and ends up in a downtown hair salon sleeping with all the women (this is supposed to be funny) and styling their hair. His old job finds him when a taxi driver recognizes him however and he has to do both jobs with equal aplomb. It's not as funny as it looks but the laughs that score will leave you chuckling or breathless depending on your expectation level, iq, and admiration level of Sandler. I give it a B-.

[The Happy Squirrel]

Went last night and saw The Happening. NOt too bad, similar to to the other Shyamalan films. BIts of supense here and there but not scary. a few plots holes and a few things just not explained. interesting concept. all and all not too bad of a movie, i think they could have incoperaed more storyline, talk less about what they are going to do and doing more about what they are talking about would have been nice. Give it a B-. If your going to watch it, the theaater is ice for the panoramic scenes

[sixpac shakur]

I went to the Wall-E screening last night. The movie was phenomenal. The movie follows a lone robot named Wall-E who is left on a deserted planet earth to clean up the trash that humans have left behind.

It's got a nice love story and a surprising amount of political commentary which I really enjoyed. The humans become obese and cannot (or don't want to) walk. The company CEO yells, "We must stay the course!" which had me in tears!

Both adults and kids will love this movie. It's well worth the price of the movie ticket. Strong A++++++++++

[wung]

a surprising amount of political commentary

care to elaborate? =) is it mainly related to environmental issues?

[TofuNinja]

Saw "Don't Mess With the Zohan" - at 2 hours this movie feels as long as it is. It had a brilliant trailer and I was enthusiastic about going so I was a willing audience (the first Adam Sandler movie I wanted to see since Happy Gilmore - which was brilliant btw). As an anti-terrorist in his homeland, Zohan is ultra macho but bored with his existence. He has a dream to work for Paul Mitchell styling hair. He fakes his death, stows away to America and ends up in a downtown hair salon sleeping with all the women (this is supposed to be funny) and styling their hair. His old job finds him when a taxi driver recognizes him however and he has to do both jobs with equal aplomb. It's not as funny as it looks but the laughs that score will leave you chuckling or breathless depending on your expectation level, iq, and admiration level of Sandler. I give it a B-.

I too gave this movie a solid B. It is what you would expect from a Sandler movie. I thought the plot was funny and the banging of old chicks was kind of funny... more of the I can't believe they went there. The disco was nice AND.... this movie left me craving Hummus! HUMMUS!! love the stuff.

[TofuNinja]

Get Smart was a great movie. I laughed hard. This and Kung Fu Panda have had me in stitches and Zohan a little. I never really followed the TV show, but man this was good. Even if I predicted the twist... (I have been doing that a lot lately).

Get Smart A+
Kung Fu Panda A+
Zohan (see above)