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:

The Happening

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: June 13, 2008

DVD Release Date: October 7, 2008

Plot 411: Something deadly is sweeping the Northeast and turning cities into ghost towns.

Review: I had been warned not to watch this movie, but did I listen? Of course not. So now it is my turn to warn you, my dear readers, not to rent this flick. Yes, I realize that there's a hunk of man candy by way of Mark Wahlberg, however, even his looks cannot save this one. The plot is this - something mysterious is wiping out thousands of people across the northeast U.S. Is it terrorists? Is it an airborne disease? Is it government testing? No, it is Mother Nature herself. Yes, this is not a movie on terrorism or nuclear attack or government cover-ups. This is a movie about the Earth rebelling against humans because we're a deadly threat to it. It's like watching a movie sponsored by Greenpeace. But, had this been marketed as such no one would've come to the theaters. Instead, it was billed as a horror, suspense drama and headlined by Wahlberg. I feel completely duped. I feel gipped out of a good horror, suspense drama flick. Damn you Mark Wahlberg. Not only did you gip me into believing you were a rapper in my tween years, you've tricked me into watching this faux horror flick.

Watch It: If you've got a "Save the Earth" bumper sticker and want some interesting facts about a plant's ability to rapidly adapt to circumstances.

Skip It: If you're only in it for a shot of Wahlberg's body. You don't even get that in this one.

Trailer: