"I Am Number Four" Review by Chris

In this day and age, if you can come up with an idea for a movie, most likely it's already been created in some form. The over abundance of new movies has made it hard to create anything without stealing from someone else. "I Am Number Four" is an amalgam of modern teen movies and sci-fi TV shows, and as such, it contains few original ideas. So how does that all come together?

"I Am Number Four" is about John Smith, the fourth of the surviving nine members of an alien race called the Lorien. The movie starts with the death of the third member at the hands of the Mogadorian, a rival race from their old planet. He must now elude the Mogadorians, who will be hunting him next. His alien guardian, Henri, then takes him to Paradise Ohio to hide. It's here that John meets Sarah and falls in love, causing him to make mistakes and get discovered by Sam—a human who's father has a history with the aliens. After more people start learning there's something odd about him he's finally attacked by the Mogadorian and a climactic battle begins.

Alex Pettyfer portrays John and his performance is unbalanced. One minute he'll be explaining the universe to the viewers and helping set up the story, the next he's panicking about his newly found powers. It's hard to believe that someone who knows everything about his planet’s destruction has no knowledge of his powers. Henri, played by Timothy Olyphant, is the only truly believable character. Even the cheesiest romance lines feel real coming out of his mouth. Dianna Agron as Sarah is adequate, but as a character Sarah doesn't help the story. Her relationship with John is ripped straight from the "Twilight" series. Although it takes some time for their relationship to blossom, once it does it's filled with fake love dialogue at the worst moments. This story doesn't fit well and feels like it was only thrown in to draw in teen girls. You’ll have to get used to it though, because it takes up the first 40 minutes while little else is going on.

The movie’s minor characters grow to help fill the void left by lackluster performances, but not enough to balance out the main cast. Sam, played by Callan McAuliffe, has fun banter with John, but his story isn't really explored and is obviously being saved for a sequel. The film would have been more interesting from his perspective, and the way it is, it often seems like a story without enough information. The Mogadorian's also have jokes and one-liners that make it hard to hate them as villains. Teresa Palmer comes in at the end of the movie as Number 6 and adds excitement to the film. She is better-trained than John and all of her action scenes are intense and thrilling. While her scenes are enjoyable, her story isn't explored at all, and it's painfully obvious she was only introduced to save John from things he can't handle.

The film work and sound track are ripped straight from TV shows like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Terminator: Sarah Conner Chronicles." There are countless shots that are just the camera panning around John and whatever he's looking at, with pop music playing in the background. Moments like this and the stories bizarre pacing make it seem like a TV series.

"I Am Number Four" isn't an entirely terrible movie, but it's far from good. It does have great action scenes near the end and a small handful of enjoyable characters, but the main character isn't believable and the universe doesn't feel established. Nothing about it is unique enough to warrant the sequel the creators obviously are trying set up. Although it does make an okay movie for a one time view, you'd be better off watching shows like "Smallville" which have similar stories but aren’t quite as lame.

Written By Chris
Edited by Aaron

"Just Go With It" Review by Chris

When his cheating wife leaves him at the altar, Danny decides to “Just Go With It.” He learns he can easily pick up women when he pretends he has an abusive wife. But then comes the problem: Danny, played by Adam Sandler, meets a woman he wants something more with. Played by the stunning Brooklyn Decker, Palmer is that girl, but when she finds his fake wedding band, he lies and says he’s in the process of getting divorced. The web of lies grows as Danny's assistant and closest friend, Katherine (Jennifer Aniston) and her two kids join in to play Danny's ex-wife and children. Danny then has to find a way to balance the truth and the lies that are rapidly pilling on.

Suspecting nothing of this deception, Palmer requests to meet Danny's fake family, hoping to seek their approval. Danny's cousin Eddie attempts to help by acting like Katherine's new boyfriend while, sensing opportunity, Katherine’s children take advantage of the duplicity and manipulate a trip to Hawaii out of the situation. They get their way, and while in Hawaii the pretend family runs into Katherine's old college rival Devlin, and Katherine begins a fake life of her own.

After the entire backstory is thrown right at you in the first few scenes in the movie, it slows down and falls right into classic romantic comedy formulas. As such, the film’s finale doesn't push any limits or really "wow" you. The script is funny and well written, but just as standard to Adam Sandler's other movies as the story is to romantic comedies. The movie only achieves two deeply emotional moments, and one of them is ruined by a poop joke. As if this isn’t enough, another problem is that the abundant lies are at first easy to keep track of, but begin to reach unrealistic levels. It eventually becomes hard to believe that Palmer wouldn't notice.

Adam Sandler does a great job playing a loveable liar and Jennifer Aniston’s role is a perfect foil. The duo keeps the film fun, and Brooklyn Decker also shows off more than just her body. As Palmer, she pushes Danny to grow, but starts to fade away further into the story. Nick Swardson, who plays Eddie, adds a new type of comedy to the mix while Nicole Kidman, who does the part of Devlin, works to unbalance the lies that keep the truth from getting out. Bailee Madison and Griffin Gluck give solid performances as Danny's fake children, and they add great energy to the movie.

The music is also a great addition to the film. While it sticks to the romantic comedy formula by using well-known songs, it uses remixed versions, which gives them a fresh feel. Beyond that, the film and sound work are all spot on.

This movie isn't anything you haven't seen before. You don't get a genre breaker, but it’s a date movie that keeps you smiling, all the way to the ending you saw coming.

Written by Chris
Edited by Aaron

"Gnomeo and Juliet" (3D) Review by Tim

            In case you were wondering, the concept of this movie is “Romeo and Juliet” starring garden gnomes. That’s why it’s called “Gnomeo and Juliet.” I just want to make sure everyone is on the same page here. You’re welcome.

            I was apprehensive about seeing this animated movie because the aforementioned concept seemed pretty shaky at best. But then, the movie’s introduction acknowledges that this is a story that, “has been told… a lot.” It also promises that this time around, it will be different.

            For those unfamiliar with Shakespeare’s famous story (What’s wrong with you?), the movie is about two families who hate the you-know-what out of each other. When a boy from one family and a girl from the other fall in love, they try to escape the feud to be together happily ever after. But while “Romeo and Juliet” ends in tragedy, “Gnomeo and Juliet” ends with gnomes dancing to an updated cover of Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock.” Different? Oh, sure. But is it the unoriginal perversion of Shakespeare’s story that I thought it would be? Surprisingly… no.

            While I was correct in my assumption that the story would be watered down for children, it’s not as squeaky clean as I thought it would be. Gnomes get cracked, beaten, and in one instance, shattered (the lawn ornament equivalent of “slain”). But with it’s witty script, Elton John-inspired soundtrack, and countless hidden “Easter eggs” for Shakespeare aficionados, there’s still plenty here for adults to enjoy as well. (I’ll start off your egg hunt: The duplex where the warring houses reside is divided between the addresses “2B” and “2B." Get it? Don’t worry, it’ll come to you.)

            James McAvoy and Emily Blunt (Gnomeo and Juliet, respectively) lead a surprisingly recognizable cast that features Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Jason Statham, and Ozzie Osbourne. Patrick Stewart even makes an appearance as “Bill Shakespeare,” an eccentric statue of the story’s original author. When Gnomeo tells his story to Bill, Bill tells Gnomeo that he once wrote a similar story and cautions Gnomeo that he’s not headed for a happy ending. This brilliant device is the perfect way for the filmmakers to say, “Yeah, we know,” when they’re inevitably met with comments like, “Hey, that’s not how the story ends!”

            I should note that I saw “Gnomeo an Juliet” in 3D and was disappointed in its presentation. Nothing in the movie requires being seen in 3D. Save your money and see it in 2D.

            “Gnomeo and Juliet” may indeed be “Romeo and Juliet” as played by garden gnomes, but as promised; it’s different this time. It’s familiar, yet fresh. See it with the kids or make it a date. It makes for a cute, fun, and well-spent hour and a half.

Written by Tim
Edited by Aaron

"Devil" Review by Chris

M. Night Shyamalan has become the butt of many jokes over his career—an apparent inability to make a movie without a twist has become his trademark and curse. Shyamalan wrote and produced "Devil," which is a story of claustrophobia and murder that in some ways branches out from his usual pattern. It’s a psychological horror about a group of people trapped in an elevator who realize that the devil is amongst them. When I first heard the synopsis I kept wondering, where could the twist be? The big kicker of "Devil" is that, while there isn't one big twist there are many small twists.

As the film starts, overly dramatic music serenades your ears while you soar through the skies of an upside down city. A narrator tells you how the devil likes to gather sinners into one location and haunt, torture and kill them while in human form. You’re then slowly introduced to the five elevator riders and Detective Bowden, played by Chris Messina. As the story progresses you learn about each of the riders sin's, while Bowden puts together the reasons that each person could be either the killer or a target. But true to form, Shyamalan makes sure the facts are twisted and re-twisted so you have to figure it out all over again.

The constant twists and character connections are woven well, and you’re never given enough information to figure out the whole story, so there's always a bit of suspense. The film work is well done, especially considering the cramped quarters of the elevator shots. Director John Erick Dowdle really did amazing things with what he was given. Everything is well lit and many of the shots have you wondering what's just off screen.

As much as I'd like to say I loved this movie, there's just too much holding it back. The acting isn’t great, and aside from detective Bowden, none of the characters feel real. Consequently, Bowden’s fate is the only one that actually seems important. The others are all ridiculous caricatures that aren’t likable enough to root for. Also, many of the truly scary moments in this film are hindered by cheesy faces appearing out of nowhere and pitch-black darkness that lasts for too long. These gimmicky scenes stop the suspense dead in its tracks and make it ultimately forgettable.

"Devil" has some great shots and Shyamalan plans its twists and turns well, but the concept of the story is poor and the acting is even worse. While it isn’t a complete disaster like his last few, it isn’t the “Sixth Sense” either.

Writen By Chris
Edited By Aaron

"The King’s Speech" Review by Tim

"The King’s Speech" is the true story of the stuttering Prince Albert, Duke of York (Colin Firth) who becomes King George VI in the looming shadow of World War II. Albert inherits the throne after the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII, and seeking help for his stutter, he enlists the aid of speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Albert is self-conscious of his impediment and is content to stay in the background, but as war with Germany is declared he must inspire his nation to action.

The movie is full of powerhouse acting—Colin Firth is a more than capable leading man surrounded by an equally talented supporting cast. Geoffrey Rush, Derek Jacobi, Guy Pearce, and Michael Gambon all give inspired performances, but I was very much surprised by Helena Bonham Carter’s performance as the Queen Mother. While I’m not surprised that she’s capable of the regal and dramatic,, the role is a departure from the bizarre and quirky characters that she usually plays. The relationship between Firth’s King George VI and Rush’s depitction of Logue is instantly appealing as the banter flies between the two quick-witted men.

"The King’s Speech" is as good as movies of its genre can get. It is well written, competently directed, and superbly acted. The film also illustrates the different lifestyles of Albert and Logue. Albert is a victim of the strict rules that govern royal children, and has spent most of his life in palaces, both literally and figuratively sheltered from the outside world. Nevertheless, Albert and Logue develop a friendship that forms the true foundation of the film, and though sometimes rocky, is the emotional pay dirt that forms the finale of the film. A movie that is both inspired and inspiring, "The King’s Speech" is a movie you shouldn’t miss.

Written by Tim

Edited by Aaron

“RED” Review by Chris

“RED” is the story of Frank Moses, an ex-CIA agent who can't figure out what to do with his retirement. Played by the similarly aging Bruce Willis, Moses' only human contact is the occasional passing neighbor and brief phone conversations with his pension representative Sarah Ross, played by Mary-Louise Parker. When Frank finds himself under attack by government agents and it becomes clear Sarah is similarly in danger, Frank risks life and limb to save her, despite the fact that they have never met in the real world. It's here that the deeper stories of the movie begin, and Moses calls his retired agent friends back into action.

At surface level, “RED” is an average action movie that consists of over the top shootouts with a few interesting visual highlights. But it's also a story about relationships. The budding relationship between Frank and Sarah drives the plot forward, and below that is a rekindled love between Victoria, played by Helen Mirren, and Ivan, played by Brian Cox. While I would hardly call it family-friendly, the story also details William Cooper, played by Karl Urban, and his relationship with his wife and kids. Joe Matheson, played by Morgan Freeman, and Marvin Boggs, played by John Malkovich, keep the movie light and add new angles with which to appreciate the other characters.

One of the film’s problems is that, just when the relationships start to draw your attention, they often get interrupted by a moment of action and you get pulled out of the film. During talking moments, the writing is witty and the banter is fun. Thanks to Sarah's unfamiliarity with the CIA world, you get walked through the first hour of the story, which means the plot never gets confusing. After the story and the rules of the “RED” universe are established, Sarah is taken away, leaving Frank empty as a character. Without his love interest to interact with, Frank becomes forgettable and his story’s interest loses out to Victoria and Ivan's story and the crazy antics of Marvin.

Through all the action, of the actors in this movie perform admirably. Each of them
portrays a unique version of a retired government agent. They all bring something special and will keep you watching the movie, but their performances aren't helped by lackluster editing and seemingly random cuts. The feel of the film also suddenly switches near the end, as the constant humor stops dead for a long period. Another frustrating part is that the trailers show two of the best action moments in the film, making the actual scenes not as exciting and leaving you wanting something new.

It should be noted that RED is based off of a comic book. While I myself have not read it, I have been told that the comic is of a much more serious nature than the film and that several characters have been added. Also, the original comic series was only three short issues, making it necessary to add additional plot points that were not in the original comic.

RED was a great idea with an amazing cast, but due to poor editing and forgettable film and sound work, it just doesn't reach its potential. The actors and writing redeem the film enough to make it an enjoyable experience, but it’s not something you're going to want to see more than once.

Writen by Chris
Edited by Aaron