Despicable Me 3D

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 9, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: An evil doer must shrink and capture the moon to prove to the world that he belongs in the bad boys club.

Review: Gru (Steve Carell) is an aging evil mastermind who has yet to prove himself as a valuable member of the evil-doers club. In an attempt to establish himself as an incrediblely bad guy, he plots to steal the moon from the world. This heist will put him in the record books. However, first he must steal a shrinking ray from up-and-comer Vector (Jason Segel). Using three orphans, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher), Gru hopes to finally fulfill his dreams of being a rock star evil mastermind. This was a cute movie for the young or young at heart. It took full advantage of several things: 1) the overwhelming cuteness of little girls; 2) the overwhelming funniness of secondary characters; and 3) juvenile humor and jokes. I really enjoyed this movie, but somehow it doesn't live up to other animated family comedies that have come before it. There didn't seem to be as much heart as in other movies. Still, I had a great time and would recommend this to family-oriented viewers. Also providing voice talent are Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig and Danny McBride.

Watch It: Simply for the minions. Completely hilarious and cute.

Skip It: Because it doesn't develop the plot or characters the way Pixar does.

Alice In Wonderland 3D

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: March 5, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: Alice returns to the land she visited as a child and thinks she's living a dream.

Review: Tim Burton's version of Alice In Wonderland is just so Tim Burton. The movie aesthetics and visuals do not seem like they could be done by anyone but Burton. The colors and bleakness of the settings and the dark nature of the so-called children's film are obviously Burton's signature. Watching it in 3D was probably not necessary though. It didn't have the same all-encompassing feel that Avatar did. In fact, I think it could've pulled the audience in a lot more than it did, which is a damn shame. Some of the CGI work was pretty bad. It looked like I was watching video game graphics. Despite this, I still enjoyed it a great deal. I'll probably rent it when it comes out on DVD. Somehow, I didn't find Anne Hathaway all that appealing in this movie. She really got on my nerves with all her twirling and fluttering about. I did, however, love, love, love Helena Bonham Carter. She did a perfect job as the Queen of Hearts. What does it say when I relate more with the bad queen than the good one? Of course, Johnny Depp played the Mad Hatter. Really, he was just re-doing his Jack Sparrow routine but with a snazzier-looking outfit and caked on makeup. Also providing voice acting are Stephen Fry as the cheshire cat and Alan Rickman as the caterpillar.

Watch It: For a Burton re-envisioning of all your favorite Wonderland characters.

Skip It: And watch the regular version. No need to pay extra for IMAX 3D or Disney Digital 3D.

Avatar 3D

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 18, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: The military sends in an undercover agent to learn the ways of the natives and convince them to give up their lands.

Review: I watched this movie last night and am still in awe of the cinematography and CGI used in it. This is probably the first film in 3D that was worth the extra cost for the glasses. At the heart of the film and plot, this is really just a recycled idea of cowboys vs. indians. There were so many similarities between this film and the Westerns of old. However, I'd have to say that technology has revitalized the genre. I cannot even describe to you how pretty everything looked. For over two hours, I found that I was caught up in the world of Pandora and the lives of the Na'vi. As a staunch non-sci fi moviegoer, I wouldn't normally watch this type of film. However, I was convinced by a friend and must now eat my words. The movie is pretty amazing. Of course, there are a number of flaws, but all of that is really forgotten once you're pulled into the world of the Na'vi. I can't even tell you who the actors were and I didn't find myself caring all that much. In the throes of love, do you really stop and ask yourself the hows and whys? After a bit of research, the stars include Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez and Giovanni Ribisi.

Watch It: Because it's pretty darn awesome. It's probably my favorite movie of 2009.

Skip It: If you think you might get motion sickness from the 3D effect. If so, catch it without the 3D. I'm sure it's just good.

My Bloody Valentine 3D

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: January 16, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 15, 2009

Plot 411: A miner, thought to be dead, begins a second killing spree on the tenth anniversary of the Valentine's day massacre in a small town.

Review: Yes, Jensen Ackles has finally made it to the big screen. I mean, I know he's done some other films, but nothing as mainstream as this, from what I can tell. I've been a fan since "Days of Our Lives" and love "Supernatural" as well. He definitely looks yummy but is all mysterious and a little bit off in this one. Another bit of eye candy comes in the packaging of Kerr Smith. 'Nuff said. Besides all the hot bods, I gotta admit that the characters actually had a bit of depth, especially for a slasher flick. They were more complex than normal. Also, the women weren't wimpy and helpless in this one. They actually kicked some butt in several scenes (although there was a lot of screaming still). However, the plot was very predictable in the end.

Watch It: Especially if you have your cool 3D glasses on you.

Skip It: If you don't have those nifty glasses as some of the scenes won't have the same impact and the stunts will look foolish.

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