Takers

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 27, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A con reunites with his crew after serving four years and wants in on the game one more time.

Review: This movie tries to lure in its audience with the ensemble cast of beefcakes. From Paul Walker (John) to Idris Elba (Gordon), Hayden Christensen (A.J.) to Chris Brown (Jesse), there's gotta be a bad boy for you. Even the cops are notable heartthrobs - Matt Dillon (Jack) and Jay Hernandez (Eddie). However, even this isn't enough star power to rock this movie. Oh, it was okay for a shoot 'em up flick, but it didn't have the same charisma as Ocean's Eleven. There was just no style or clever humor in this one. I don't think anyone, even Elba, could command a stage like George Clooney. The movie opens when Ghost (T.I.) is released from prison after serving his time for a robbery. He immediately contacts his boys and offers up an armored car job he's been planning since prison. The crew is hesitant, but the money is good (isn't it always?). They decide to risk it because that's what they do their entire lives. There's some great hand-to-hand action by Christensen (during which time I realized how thin he is). Chris Brown also does a good parkour act as he evades capture. But, some of the acting is really bad. The lines are pretty stilted. I mean, you can't necessarily blame T.I. for this because he's a newbie and all, but what excuse can the others give?

Watch It: For some ramped up action toward the end.

Skip It: Because despite the big names there are other movies of this ilk that are more exceptional.

Armored

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 4, 2009

DVD Release Date: May 4, 2010

Plot 411: A group of armored car drivers plot to steal $42 million dollars.

Review: With his parents dead, the responsibility to raise his younger brother falls on Ty's (Columbus Short) shoulders. After an honorable discharge from the military, he takes a job as an armored car driver with his godfather Mike (Matt Dillon). After passing Ty passes his probation, Mike lets him in on a plan that he and his team have been plotting to steal one of their loads. At first Ty refuses to be involved, but with the bank ready to take their house and child welfare knocking on his door, he feels he has no choice but to snag some of that money. Surprisingly, this was better than I thought it'd be (though far from a good heist film). The quality of actors used in this movie was surprising. Besides Dillon, there was Jean Reno and Laurence Fishburne and a small part by Fred Ward. Younger actors included Amaury Nolasco, Milo Ventimiglia and Skeet Ulrich. Unfortunately, they weren't really able to sell me on the plot. There were a lot of sequences that weren't believable, actions that just didn't fit. Also, they introduce Ventimiglia's character only to use him as a human prop. They completely wasted him. The movie didn't go too much into detail regarding the motive behind this heist. I guess as the audience we're just supposed to think that the money is enough. Only Ty had a real reason for needing the money. I guess the others can be summed up with plain old greed.

Watch It: If you're okay with a mediocre turn out by some top-notched actors.

Skip It: And go with one of the Ocean's flicks. Much more entertaining.

Old Dogs

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: November 25, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 9, 2010

Plot 411: Two old friends cope when one discovers he has 7-year-old twins.

Review: Dan (Robin Williams) and Charlie (John Travolta) are two sports marketing execs determined to land a major international deal. However, it's around that time that Dan meets up with a old flame (Kelly Preston) and learns he's the father of two kids - Zach (Connor Rayburn) and Emily (Ella Bleu Travolta). Together, Dan and Charlie must wade through the waters of parenthood and score big with their potential clients. Well, there were definitely a lot of recurring jokes about how old Dan and Charlie are, which got a bit stale after a while. Despite that, this was a good family movie that kids will enjoy. There are some slapstick moments that were funny, but other comedic moments just didn't work. Somehow the best part of the movie was a classic hit-to-the-groin gag. I guess stuff like that never gets . . . old? Hardy har har! Also in this movie are Seth Green (love him), Lori Laughlin, Bernie Mac (RIP), Matt Dillon and Justin Long.

Watch It: For all it's family goodness.

Skip It: And watch Mrs. Doubtfire instead for an even more rolicking good time.

Singles

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 18, 2002

DVD Release Date: February 3, 1999

Plot 411: Seattle. 1990s. People looking for love or the closest thing to it.

Review: This movie starring, Bridget Fonda, Campbell Scott, Kyra Sedgwick and Matt Dillon, could almost be a real excerpt from the early '90s. From the clothes (grunge) to the music (grunge) to the locale (Seattle = home of grunge), it's a time capsule that we can all use to see into the past and remember what it used to be like. In the lifelong quest for love, the movie takes us through the characters' lives as they work and play with one another. In a faux documentary style, the characters (Janet, Steve, Linda and Cliff respectively), walk us through their thoughts and feelings on love and relationships. Most of the characters live in the same apartment building, which you already know is bad news. The misconceptions that men and women have, the games they play and the bad advice from friends all make this film entertaining to watch. To play games or be straightforward? To call the next day? Four days from now? A week later? To smile or not to smile? Look back over or ignore him? All of these seemingly mundane questions are part of dating - then and now. The problems that arise are also universal across time and place. Also featured or playing a cameo in this film are Bill Pullman, Eric Stoltz, Tom Skeritt, Paul Giamatti and Jeremy Piven.

Watch It: For the long hair, torn up jeans, funny hats and coffee.

Skip It: Because the plot drags a bit despite the awesome soundtrack.