2012

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 13, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 2, 2010

Plot 411: The end of the world has come. Run for your lives!

Review: This film was pretty similar to all the other end-of-the-world/apocalypse/disaster movies that came before it. Most audiences who enjoyed those will also like this one. The idea of actually enjoying a disaster flick is pretty twisted when you really think about it, but that's for some other blog. In this one, we talk about movies so I'd say the CGI both made and broke this film. With such a gigantic scope as the of the world, audiences are already prepared for a whole lot of CGI. This component is probably the most significant aspect of the film, even beyond the actors, which included the likes of John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet (whose face is quite odd looking in this movie), Danny Glover (Mr. President), Thandie Newton (cute as ever), Oliver Platt and Woody Harrelson (playing a nutjob . . . surprise, surprise). The massive earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and complete destruction of society as we know it was definitely a huge undertaking for all those animators. It really is amazing to see little people dangling off of freeways and toppling buildings, chunks of earth and lava hurtle toward you and famous landmarks crumble to the ground. However, despite all their efforts, the quality of the CGI is still not advanced enough to render a good image. It's completely obvious that these events were created on a screen. There's absolutely no doubt that they didn't use practical effects. The fact that we can tell is the disappointment. As for the plot, refer back to the 411.

Watch It: On a large screen with surround sound if at all possible to get the full effect.

Skip It: Because if you've seen one of these types of movies, you've seen 'em all.

Angels In The Outfield

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 15, 1994

DVD Release Date: April 23, 2002

Plot 411: Two foster kids who love baseball cause a sensation when one of them begins seeing angels.

Review: A young Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Roger, a boy who wishes on a star for the California Angels to win a penant, because this is when his deadbeat dad told him they'll become a family again. When Roger begins to see real angels like Al (Christopher Lloyd) helping the team, he informs their coach George Knox (Danny Glover). Whenever Roger sees an angel, he tells Knox. Against his better judgment, Knox does what Roger says and the team begins to win games. Can they win enough games to reunite father and son? You never know . . . because angels are always watching. This is a good family dramedy from the '90s that deals with some serious issues like the fostercare system and faith. Gordon-Levitt does a good job at playing the down-but-never-out Roger, who, despite life's circumstances, still believes in goodness. With a child-like innocence, he creates a fervor in the entire Angels team. Soon the team, who is down in the dumps, begins to have faith in each other and develops a will to succeed. Led by Mel, an ailing pitcher (Tony Danza), the team is soon better than ever. The film includes some now-famous actors like Adrien Brody and Matthew McConaughey. Why don't they make movies like this these days?

Watch It: For a throwback to times when good old fashion family sports movies were all the rage in Hollywood.

Skip It: If The Sandlot, Rookie Of The Year and all the other baseball films of the '90s seem to be playing the same song.

Be Kind Rewind

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 22, 2008

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2008

Plot 411: Two friends endeavor to recreate popular movie rentals when they discover that all the VHS tapes have been erased.

Review: Mos Def stars as Mike, a video store clerk left in charge when his boss Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover) leaves on vacation. Unfortunately, his best friend Jerry (Jack Black) becomes magnetized and erases all the tapes as soon as he walks through the doors. To cover their tracks, the two friends attempt to remake some VHS classics in hopes that their patrons won't know any better. Their tapes become a hit and the store starts turning a profit, a boon for Mr. Fletcher who had received an eviction notice. Unfortunately, lawyers show up with cease and desist orders based on copyright infringement and the store seems to be on its final legs. The best part of the film is definitely watching the one-take remakes being shot. There are some great laughs during their filming process. Other than that, the movie was pretty tiresome with lame jokes. This is probably one of Black's worst efforts. Then again, I've only seen a couple of his other movies and wasn't overly thrilled by them either.

Watch It: Only if you're a huge fan of Jack Black.

Skip It: If you have any respect left for Mos Def because this will just kill it for you.

Shooter

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 22, 2007

DVD Release Date: June 26, 2007

Plot 411: A retired Marine Corps sniper is recruited to prevent a presidential assassination only to be framed for the killing of an international representative.

Review: Now this is the type of movie that Mark Wahlberg should really continue to do (screw movies like The Happening). The void in the macho, action-oriented genre is almost depressing. In the '80s and early '90s, the market was swimming with these man's man-type movies usually starring the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Charles Bronson, Chuck Norris and Jean-Claude Van Damme. In the 2000s, it's as if these movies are an endangered species. Every once in a while someone will grow a dude 'tude and put out a bust 'em up, shoot 'em up flick, but their dominance in the market is definitely minimal. In this film, Wahlberg plays a retired sniper who must evade capture and prove his innocence in a conspiracy plot that goes very high up into the government. Guys will appreciate it for some very good kills sequences, large explosions, proliferation of guns and a me vs. the world fantasy they can live through Wahlberg's character. Girls will likely enjoy this for the mere presence of the former Calvin Klein model. Note: There is one scene where he reprises this role as underwear model and the boy's still got it. Also in this movie area Danny Glover, Michael Pena and Elias Koteas.

Watch It: For a good military/government conspiracy flick sandwiched between slices of action.

Skip It: If kill shots with brain splatter makes you squeamish.

Trailer: