The story was a  bit strange at first and I began to wonder how Holmes could possibly figure out a (EXTREMELY SMALL SPOILER ALERT) crime dealing with black magic and I was skeptical as to whether or not the story would develop into something believable, complex, solvable, or even interesting. However, I was not left to wonder long. The story was everything I would have hoped it to be. And of course the fight scenes and the settings were amazing, and with the splash of humor added, you could not go wrong with spending the money on this film.

The only critiques I have for this film was the lack of story behind Holme’s and Adler’s past affairs. I mean, I could understand that there was something between them from old relations, but the audience was given no information as to why, what, or when any of this occured. I think if one of those questions were answered, our cravings might be stifled a little more until the sequel (and yes, it has been confirmed that there will be a sequel, but it remains unnamed). Also, Holmes never said anything along the lines of, “That’s elementary, dear Watson.” Disappointing.

Overall, I give it a 5 out of 5. Not seeing this movie would be quite elementary.

I didn’t know what to expect and wasn’t all that thrilled to go see it, but my friend is a manager at regal and said that if I went, he’d get us in for free into the 3D version. I can’t say no to a free movie, especially since it got such rave reviews. I had no idea what the film was about. I figured it would be just like any other sci-fi film with a splash of the blue guy from Watchmen. I was completely wrong.

The cast was well-selected. There was so much chemistry between the actors, an awkward or dull moment was nonexistent. Everything seemed so real. It got to the point where the blue avatars were more realistic than the actual humans. The storyline was just as well done. It reminded me very much of Tarzan with a splash of personal reflection in the main character Jake. I really liked how they added the feeling of gaining use of his “legs”. This film made you think, and if you are at all like me, it also made you hate the human race. I kept thinking after it was over about how much we suck basically. But at the same time, seeing the few characters that stood up for what is right plus the director’s obvious point of view, I also realized how much good we can do as people. I haven’t lost all hope. As far as the effects go, the CGI was amazing. I am glad Mr. Cameron waited so long to produce this movie. The technology ten years ago could not make such an amazing film and if you do plan on seeing it, go 3D. There is no comparison. The 3D was surprisingly not obnoxious as I normally find myself with a headache halfway through, but this was not the case. It was well crafted and enhanced the visual aspects of the story.

The only thing I could possibly see wrong with the film is the three hour length. However, I didn’t even notice. There was neither a dull moment nor a piece that could be removed from the script. I was so enthralled in the film that when it was finally over, I had to ask where the time went. This particular film needed the length in order to portray the deep meaning behind it.

Overall, I give this film a 5 out of 5. If you haven’t done so, please go see it. It is a much better use of $9 than New Moon, I promise (I would have gladly paid the $9 in this scenario if free wasn’t an option).

The movie didn’t get much praise from the critics, but cult classics normally don’t. I believe even the first film didn’t blow over so well as it took a few years to truly reach the success and notoriety it deserved.

Of course, I have to break the sad, sad news that the sequel was not as good as the former, but what do you expect from a sequel?

Overall, the plot was decent. It begins in Ireland and shows how the brothers find their way to come back to Boston and step into their Saint shoes once again. There’s no shortage of shoot out scenes and we even get the taste of surprise cameos as well as a hefty dose of humor. I was also pleasantly surprised at the addition of the Mexican side kick, Romeo. He didn’t replace Rocco which was a relief because he was without a doubt, his own character. The only thing I really have to criticize is Detective Eunice and Yakavetta. Even though Julie Benz looked the part and acted so, the thick southern accent prevented me from truly enjoying the performance. I have nothing against the accents, but it was just too distracting for this particular film. Yakavetta, the times you did see him appear, was not intimidating enough as a crime boss. I could not take him seriously whatsoever.

I give The Boondock Saints II a 4 out of 5 stars. It does what it is supposed to: entertain. And if you are a fan of the original, this one will satisfy your cravings.

In short, two children meet and the boy has a tin toy carousel and whoever is in possession of it, gets to dare the other. As they grow up, they continue to play the game and become best friends and of course, fall in love. But the game has complicated this because now they cannot distinguish whether their feelings are just dares or real.

There’s a lot of elements in a French film that American films cannot get away with, unless you are Across the Universe (reference the circus scene) so at first, I was a little confused and weirded out by the artsy, free floating scenes of the movie, but it was effective and fit well with the film. I am also relieved that it wasn’t translated to English because I feel a lot of the scripting’s meaning would be lost in translation and for once, reading in subtitles wasn’t annoying. I could almost tell how the story was going without reading the lines because of how the movie was directed. The actors were fantastic as well as the characters. The scenery was especially relevant and helped guide the story along had there not been any subtitles.

The only negative I have to say is that in some parts of the film, especially the dream sequence, I was a little confused as to what was actually happening and some terms I wasn’t familiar with, but that’s the beauty of foreign film making. Learn something new.

I really liked how the story presented a romance completely different than what you would expect, such as The Notebook. We are often unhappy with what is going on between the boy and girl, but when it’s good, it makes us envious. All I know is that I wish the American boys would take a note from the French, or let’s play a real game of truth or dare ;].

Overall, I give this film a 5 out of 5 stars! Really great film!

I personally don’t understand the hype surrounding the series. Everyone knows Harry Potter is far better both creatively and logistically. Any form of idol worship, especially to this degree, is ridiculous. Tween girls screaming every time they see a glimpse of Rob Pattinson (who is no longer attractive; much sexier as Cedric Diggory) and Taylor Lautner (…Ok, I’ll give them that one) confuses me to no end because they don’t even know what sex is, let alone grabbed puberty by the horns. And the relationship portrayed by Bella and Edward both in the books and the movies is not an example of real love. Edward constantly laughs at Bella and refers to some of her ideas as “absurd”. I bet that does wonders for her self-esteem. I know he’s trying to “protect” her, but let’s be honest here. You would find it extremely offensive and degrading if your significant other synonymized you with “absurd”. Also, he blackmails her into marrying him by withholding changing her into a vampire and having sex. I see two problems here. First, you should never blackmail someone you love, especially if you know you’ll get what you want from it. It’s sketchy and lame, and some argue “Oh she loves him, she wants to marry him”, but I specifically remember reading about her hesitance. Second, what guy doesn’t want to have sex especially if they can drink the milk without buying the cow? I know good men exist, but even good men have wants and needs. There’s a problem with this one if he’s pushing to marry the girl first. If they’re going to be together forever, can’t the marriage wait another 500 years if need be? Edward is also extremely possessive and jealous. The girl can basically only sit on the couch without being supervised. And the whole Jacob thing. Lay off, it’s obvious she doesn’t want to screw a dog. Finally, Edward sparkles in the sun. Two words: Fruit. Cake. ‘Nough said.

Now that I’ve ranted, it’s time to discuss the film.

I will say that the film’s work with CGI and the battle scenes were fantastic. While watching it, I looked forward to these scenes because it was the only thing that kept me awake. It was well thought out and planned, executed effectively (obviously, since it held my interest at a bare minimum during the movie). Also, the addition of the new Victoria was a fantastic pick. I felt Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke carried the film. Lautner was a main player and his acting was a relief from the other actor’s dryness and at least he was easy to look at. Billy Burke served as comic relief, and boy did I need it if I was going to last at all considering the films length.

As for the rest of the performers, I was bored to tears. The dialogue, or lack of really, between the characters was so awkward and uncomfortable, I felt sorry for them. The dialogue, what little there was, was overdramatic and borderline cheesy. I could write a better script.  The film’s scenes were drawn out and lacked any significant appeal except for the rare battle scenes. Rob Pattinson was extremely stiff in this film, and I know he’s supposed to be somewhat, but it was more of his performance that was stiff, not his character, if that makes any sense. Kristen Stewart was less than inspiring and not convincing at all. I felt nothing when she lost Edward. And that’s not how it should be.

Overall, I give it a 1 out of 5 stars. It is in my top ten worst movies ever seen, and I’m one of the lucky ones that didn’t actually have to shell out the $9 for the ticket. I don’t plan on seeing this again unless my life depends on it.