The Pursuit of Happiness Feel-good movie based on the true story of a selfless medical supply salesman (an ever-appealing Will Smith) who, after his wife (Thandie Newton) walks out, raises his 5-year-old son (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith) on his own while pursuing a new career path as a stockbroker in an unpaid internship while enduring financial struggles, homelessness and other difficulties. The movie is a bit long and repetitive. However, the inspirational message in the movie is amazing, with Smith's doing all he can to nurture his son under difficult circumstances and projecting admirable decency throughout. I give the movie 2 thumbs up. It is one I feel we should all see at some point, however it is not one of my favorites.

Mamma Mia! Is a energetic and vibrant adaptation of the popular stage musical, using the songs of Abba, about a bride-to-be (Amanda Seyfried) who invites her mother's (marvelous Meryl Streep) three lovers from two decades earlier (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard) to her wedding in Greece after discovering that one of them may be her father. Before seeing this film I had seen it on Broadway which was excellent so my expectations for this movie were high. My expectations were fulfilled. I love Meryl Streep and she did a fantastic job in this role. I give this movie 3 thumbs up.

The movie Taken is an intense thriller about an ex-government operative (Liam Neeson) hunting for his missing teenage daughter (Maggie Grace) who's been kidnapped by Albanian sex traffickers in Paris. The film displays the undyling love and devotion of a father. I love action movies and this movie gives a lot of it. However, at the same time it shows you an inside look at the real problem of sex trafficking going on throughout the world everyday. As a young girl who likes to travel it showed me how although I am always care you must not trust every nice person you meet. I give this movie 2 thumbs up. I would say it is a good movie yet very intense and some may not like the certain aspects it shows.

The film Hangover is set in Las Vegas and is a comedy centered around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures, then must retrace their steps in order to find him. This film is one that I could continue to watch over and over again without ever getting sick of it. It is absolutely hilarious and I would recommend it to almost anyone. I think many of us have had our own crazy nights where we wish we could forget yet remember it at the same time. The Hangover does an excellent job portraying the truth in this statement. It keeps you intrigued and on your toes wanting to know what ridiculous event is going to happen next. I give this film 3 thumbs up. Go see it!

Twilight is more than just a movie about vampires. Truthfully, I have never been one to watch many romantic fantasy films and am definitely not a dire hard fan of the so-called Team Edward and the many books, like so many of my friends. So, after seeing Twilight I was rather taken back by the enjoyment I actually got out of it. The movie focuses on the development of a personal relationship between human teenager Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). The movie offers many underlying themes such as love, devotion, and desire. It is fascinating how Edward is so devoted to protecting Bella and risking his own life to do so. There are not many men these days willing to do that in my opinion. I give the movie 3 thumbs up. The choice of actors was simply a job well done; all of them fit into their roles perfectly. I plan on seeing the second Twilight that just came out and maybe even reading the book.

Taxi Driver

In Martin Scorcese's first mainstream film staring Robert De Niro who play Travis Bickle a man who drives a Taxi at night in New York City. Taxi Driver shows the dark evil side of New York, and Bickle a war veteran cannot stand to see it anymore. He turns into a driver/vigilante. Taxi Driver is a very dark film with violence, language and deals with some of the worst citizens of the city. This is an extremely dark film, Taxi Driver is very entertaining but can be boring at parts, this because Bickle lacks a personality at times that does not draw you attention. I give this movie 2 thumbs up, I highly advise that people over 18 should watch, it is rated R for a reason. But if you in the mood for an older film directer and staring one of our generations bests, go and rent it!

Slapt Shot

Old time hockey at its best, Slap Shot stBlogger: We give it three thumbs up! - Create Post Staring Paul Newman is a side spitting, lough out loud sports comedy about a struggling minor league hockey team the Charleston Chiefs. pretty much portraying hockey culture via the 1970s is about the odd characters such as the the Hanson brothers, the Chiefs and the journey though the highs and lows of a semi pro hockey team. Anyone who has played hockey, or just plain loves the faster game in the world will find this movie quite humors. Fallowing the team on road trips, games, and just the overall culture of a team. Slap Shot has way too many scenes to point our humor, the rather crude and vulgar humor that goes on with a hockey team. Whether it is the French Canadian goalie or the coach/player Paul Newman. I my mind this is one of the great comedic classics from the 1970's which lead to now today the overrated splat stick, humor that we see today. By far my favorite scene is where the French Canadian goal explains to a sports reporter the penalties of the game and I almost fell out of my seat watching it. Now this is not just some movie about jocks and the comedy that takes place in the locker room, their are love interests, and how a small struggling city can rally behind their local Chiefs. I Slap Shot 3 thumbs up, because it has many great quality movies, granite the movie does look old and does not have the super extreme special effects that are today but the movie is centred about the team and the city, and would advise this movie to any sports fan but believe that most females will enjoy this movie because other then the majority of male humor in the movie, there are parts where women will enjoy it. It is rated R for foul, rowdy, locker room language with some minor violence. Anyone who has apart of any locker room can related to this and each player.
Movie Firm Critic: Tyler Tyzinski

The Big Lebowski

"The Dude abides", one of the many great quotes from the cult classic movies written and director by the renown Coen Brothers. The Big Lebowski is an wild trip about a time frame in the life of your average American slacked Jeff Lebowski, otherwise known as "The Dude." Staring Jeff Bridges as a modern day hippie in Los Angles with his two bowling friends Donnie the quiet laid back played by the great Steve Buscemi, and Walter the Dudes short tempered Vietnam friend John Goodman. The story revolves the friends' bowling league and around a strange mix up involving "The Dude" and a well off older man who just happens to have the same name Jeff Lebowski. Kidnapping is involved and "The Dude" is mistaken and now has to find away to come up with the ransom money, to have the captures give back the real Jeff Lebowski's wife. With many odd twists and off the wall humor along with the adventures that Lebowski has, influenced by his bi polar friend Walter. The dialogue in this movie is what makes it the funniest. It is not filled with the typical slap stick comedy that is scene in most comedies today. Lebowski really does not car about much rather then his rug, white Russian, joints, and the occasional acid flashback. The Big Lebowski is rated R due to some drug use, language, and brief nudity. I give this move 3 thumbs up because of the excellent written screen play, and how you get the feeling that the actors are really the people in the movie. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a well written comedy with a twists.
Movie Critic Review: Tyler Tyzinski

The Doors

"The Doors" is a Oliver Stone directed film about the 1960's American band The Doors and the frontman Jim Morrison. The movie is more about Morrison then any of the band members and stars Val Kilmer as Morrison. Kilmer does an excellent job, he convinces you that he is acctuly Morrison. Kilmer's vocals sounds just like Morrisons and does not lip sing at all during the movie showing the great range of his acting skills. One thing that disappointed me from Stone, is that he portrayed Morrison as more as a drunken, drug crazed, self center buffoon rather then the American poet that he was. It seems like Stone had something out for Morrison, and the movie seemed to be centered around Morrison and did not go into much depth for the other band members. At times he does show Morrison to be a true musician rather then the party animal that he was portrayed and in those shots you can get a look at how Morrison did enjoy the band and his band mates. The movie is rated R due to language, some nudity, and drug use. I give the Doors, 2 thumbs up and highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of music from the time.

Miracle

"Do you beleive in miracles.....?" This is one of the most famous quotes from a sports broadcaster ever, Al Michales uttered this words during the end of the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Hockey game between the unhearled, unherd of team from the United States against the red mahince that was the U.S.S.R. The movie Miracle takes place during that time starting from the Olympic tryouts, coach Herb Brooks played by Kurt Russel is appointed as the U.S. Olympic hockey coach after having many successful seasons as the head coach at the University of Minnesota. The movie not only goes into the sour relations between the countries of the United States and the Soviet Union but also the controversy within the team, players still holding grudges from playing at rival colleges, and the trouble that Mr. and Mrs. Books had as the coach directed the majority of his time to building his perfect hockey team. Miracle has one of the most moving sports movie scenes that I have ever seen, after an embarrassing loss coach brooks holds his team after the exhibition game to run skating sprints to the point where the arena lights are turned off. You do not only see the growth of the team during this movie but how the players matured and came to an understanding that this was just more then a game between two teams, but a game between two countries. No one really gave the underdog Americans a chance against the super power had a run of winning every hockey gold medal since 1956. But as you all probably know by now the Americans won in dramatic fashion but the story goes into more about the players, coach, and how the team came together. The cinematography during the action scenes of hockey games is amazing, it feels like you are on the ice with the players and makes it feel like it is once again the winter of 1980. The shots seem almost in line with the real action from the game, I have watched the game numerous times and am amazed at how close they were able to simulate the flow from the game. This movie is rated PG due to some language and sports violence but I believe that anyone any age would enjoy this movie, I give it 3 thumbs up and anyone who has not scene this film I high recommend it.

Four Christmases

A great comedy movie to see this Holiday season to watch is Four Christmases, starring Vince Vaughn (Brad) and Reese Witherspoon (Kate). They are the couple who skips out on visiting their families every Christmas season, but not this one. When their plane gets cancelled and the families see them on national TV getting interviewed about going to Fiji. They decided that they have to go visit both of their families, which includes four stops, because both of their parents are divorced. The both had not so great childhoods and always wanted to be out on their own, in which they have been doing for the past couple of years. When visiting the parents, they both start to notice a different side of each other that they had no idea existed. This starts to make them think about life and how they have come to know each other, and believe that they have both been living a lie. There are tons of funny parts throughout the movie when they visit all the parents houses. It also has the romantic affection throughout the movie that will entertain many females. They break up only to realize that they are meant to be with each other. At the end of the movie they even end up having a child together. We give this move two thumbs up for the comedy that was in it. Also starring in the movie is Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Jon Favreau, Tim McGraw, and many more. Written by movie critic: Adam Danch

Fast and Furious

Fast & Furious, the 4th installment of the illegal street car racing series comes back with a action packed and adventured filled drama that is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat. Starring Brian O' Connor (Paul Walker) and Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), the movie is about them chasing down a drug deal named Braga. Dom's girlfriend is killed by the Braga gang when she was a driver for them, which propels Dom to find out who did it. This makes him cross paths with Brian who is an agent for the FBI. They both work there way up the ladder by being drivers for a run the Braga needs to get drugs into the states. They end up meeting Braga's number one man Campos (John Ortiz) and becoming friends with him. During the run that they make the Braga gang tries to kill the drivers that brought the drugs in for them. Dom and Brian escape and soon find themselves with 5 million dollars of Herion. They set up a meeting with Braga in order to get closer to him. It ends up being a sting and Braga shows up, but they find out that Campos has been Braga all along. In the end Dom and Brian go into Mexico and get back what was the FBI's money to being with and end up taking down the Braga cartel. If you like sweet cars and action than this is a must see movie. They also set up the end of the movie to make another one, with Dom being arrested and Brian and the gang trying to free him. Also starring in this movie is Jordana Brewster (Mia), Laz Alonso (Fenix), Michelle Rodriquez (Letty), and many more stars. We give this two and a half stars for its action and adventure. Written by movie crew critic: Adam Danch

Funny People

Funny People, a movie about George Simmons, played by Adam Sandler, who is a very successful actor and comediam, finds out that he has a rare blood disorder that will kill him within the next year unless some untested medicine can save him. Throughout his life he has always made the decisions that have made his very rich and very famous. When finding out about this very bad blood disorder he starts to go back to his roots in which brought him the life that he has always dreamed of when he was growing up. He meets Ira Wright who is played by Seth Rogan at a local comedy club in which George used to do stand up at. George likes what he hears and hires Ira as an assitant and a writer, because George wants to do more standup before he gets to ill. George also tries to get back into the life of his first love Laura, who is played by Leslie Mann, but finds out that he is breaking up a great family and also gets rejected by her old love, when she realizes that she is making a big mistake. George comes to find out that the medicine he is trying worked and that this whole experienced has changed his life in which he believes he needs to change and help out Ira get his career going. If you like some adult humor and need something to watch on a Saturday night, this would be a good movie flick to see. We give this two thumbs up. Written by movie critic: Adam Danch

Night at the Museum: Batlle of the Smithsonian

A great family movie that has come out to DVD recently and would be great to watch when the relatives come home for the holidays is Night at the Museum 2. Larry Daley played by Ben Stiller, who was the night watch man in the first movie has gone on to become a self made multi-millionaire, with his Daley products. The movie takes place at the Smithsonian exhibits, where his friends that come to life at the museum he used to work at are getting shipped to another Museum in order to be preserved and put away for good. New technology is going to replace them at the Museum of Natural History in which the board decides will bring in more people to visit. Daley finds out and feels that he is losing the people that made him who he is today. He gets a call from Jedediah Smith that is played by Owen Wilson, about the tablet being taken with them by the monkey. The tablet brings Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria) to life who is the brother of Ahkmenrah (Rami Malek), he wants to bring back his army in order to take over the world. Daley finds himself in a great adventure where he finds himself face to face with some of the most famous people ever. Some of these people are Al Capone (Jon Bernthal), Napoleon Bonaparte (Alain Chabat), and Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest). In the end Daley and his counterpart throughout the movie Amelia Earhart who is played by Amy Adams, end up taking down the powers that were trying to take over the world, but only with the help of many others of the past. Daley sells his company and donates a great amount of money to keep the exhibits in the Museum that he used to guard at night. Only this time he opens it up at night to let everyone enjoy the real life exhibits for themselves. We give this movie two and a half thumbs. Written by movie crew critic: Adam Danch

CHRISTMAS VACATION

This movie is one of the many classics that must be watched during the Holiday Season. Christmas Vacation features as many of you know the Griswold's, the American family that everyone can sometimes relate to during times spent with the family. This movie takes place during the Christmas season, in which Clark (Chevy Chase) is going to give his family a gift with his bonus that he thinks he is going to receive from his work. Throughout the movie he encounters many different and interesting situations that will make you laugh over and over. To shopping in the mall with Rusty (Johnny Galecki), to setting up the most ridiculous light show you will see ever, and that will make his neighbors hate his family even more. The funniest parts throughout the movie though involve his cousins, the Johnson's (Randy Quaid and Miriam Flynn), in which they make Clark's and the rest of the family do things that families do not usually take part in. They are the weird side of the families that everyone knows they have somewhere throughout the family tree, but are the one's that brings laughs and season's blessings throughout this movie also. This movie is never going to disappoint and will make you want to watch it over and over again throughout the holiday season. Also starring in this movie is Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Diane Ladd, Cody Burger and many more. Written by movie crew critic: Adam Danch

GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra

If you like action and have played with the GI Joe figures when you were a child, then GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra is a movie that you will want to see this holiday season. Directed by Steve Sommers, he gives the viewers a great in depth looked at technology that will be in the not so far future. The story features an advanced military team called the GI Joe's that fight against a company called MARS, that is led by McCullen (Christopher Eccleston). He created a nano-technology that can level an entire city in minutes. Duke (Channing Tatum) and Ripcord (Marlon Wayans) are given the task of delivering the warhead, but are ambushed by Duke's ex-girlfriend Baroness (Sienna Miller). Duke and Ripcord retrieve the warhead and are taken back to GI Joe's headquarters, The Pit, and join the team in the hunt to down McCullen and destroy him. McCullen's partner Doctor (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) are planning on taking over the world with a strong army with this nano-technology. After learning how to be a GI Joe and getting to know their counter parts better, they are set out on a task to track down the enemies. In the end the GI Joe's get what they want but are not in the clear, when Zartan has penetrated the White House and taken the place of the President with the help of the technology. The GI Joe's must regroup and live to fight another day. Also starring in this movie is Ray Park, Rachel Nichols, Dennis Quaid, and many more. Written by movie crew critic: Adam Danch

The Blind Side

Based on a true story, the Blind Side is a tear-jerking, heart warming, family film, laced with some mild humor and the problems that go along with the ignorance's of interracial families. In my opinion, Sandra Bullock's role as Leigh Anne Tuohy was by far her best. As the out-spoken mother of an upper class athletic family, Leigh Anne makes the decision to take in a homeless African American teenager despite even consulting her family. The snide remarks from her friends and the community fail to sway her decision as she chooses to clothe, house, feed, and eventually consider the boy one of her own and adopt him. He soon develops an interest in football and when the Tuohy's find out he is actually good, they make it their goal to get him a scholarship to Ole Miss, even going to the extent to hire a full time private tutor to improve his grades. The plot takes a twist when the boy, Mike Oher, is questioned by an NCAA investigator as to whether he really wants to go to Ole Miss or the Tuohy's are forcing him to because they are boosters and alumni. Ultimately the Tuohy's do what they think is best and let Mike make the decision for himself. The real Michael Oher was drafted 23rd overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2009. I give this movie 3 thumbs up for its ability to stay true to the real story of Michael Oher while showing families how a small act of kindness can change a person's life.
Movie Critic Crew Member: Whitney Putnam

Where the Buffalo Roam

Where the Buffalo Roam, is a film about the stories of the creator of Gonzo journalism Hunter S. Thompson and his lawyer Laslow, who was Oscar Acosta.The film is not a full biography of Thompson's life but stories that he lived and wrote about in the 1960's and 70's. Like the majority of Thompon's works you see first hand the counterculture that Thompson was apart of whether it was drug crazed adventures or going against the grain of society seen as he blasts the Nixon administration or when he was sent to write about the Super Bowl, but ends up going on one of his signature adventures instead. Bill Murry plays the role of Thompson and Laslow is played by Frank Boyle, while watching the movie you understand the unique relationship between the two, as their adventures lead to pandemonium. If you are a fan of Thompson's works or the later adaptation of his book "Fear in Loathing in Las Vegas" which was also made into a firm(with the same title) I would highly recommend this movie. If you are offended by heavy drinking and drug use I would advise you to stay away from "Where the Buffalo Roam." I give this movie 1 1/2 thumbs up because it doesn't seem to mix well with how Thompson wrote but has some relations with his writings.
Movie Critic Crew Member: Tyler Tyzinksi

Terminator Salvation

Terminator Salvation is a huge upgrade from the previous action packed and suspense filled series. The new characters help to bring the story to life, while the short appearance of Arnold Swartzenager, in the buff, reminds you of the previous "I will be back" drama. The new technology and great special effects really work to bring the movie into the present with more realistic looking machines and robots. The new cast includes Christian Bale as John Connor, Sam Worthington as Marcus Wright (the half human half robot side kick) Anton Yelchin as Kyle Reese (John's Father), and even a special appearance by Common playing the role of a member of the resistance. Marcus and John who start off as enemies, end up helping each other in their mutual battle against the machines and their search and rescue mission for Kyle. The double lead character forces viewers to pick a side which makes for a much more interesting movie. In the end things all fall into place and you are finally enlightened on the story behind the Terminator series. I would give this movie two thumbs up for its ability to create a more present day addition to the series and for the superb acting by the lead characters.

Movie Critic Crew Member: Whitney Putnam

Star Trek

Before even watching this hyped up movie I was extremely skeptical, especially because I have always hated movies about outer space. I was in for a big surprise though, the action, romance, and suspense that was present throughout the entire film was enough to keep my attention and even enough to bring me back for a possible sequel. Chris Pine plays James T. Kirk, a boy who feels like he can't find his purpose in life after his father dies. He decides to join the USS enterprise where he forms a love hate bond with Spock, played by Zachary Quinto, while they battle the Romulans. The fighting scenes are action packed and "out of this world," and the images of the battleships really stretch your imagination. Although the story line from the previous Star Trek shows are similar, the movie is truly unique and the new technology that is now available to movie makers brings the movie into the future! I would give this movie two thumbs up for its twisted plot and the directors use of special effects to keep the viewer intrigued.

Movie Critic Crew Member: Whitney Putnam

My Sister's Keeper

My Sister's Keeper is a heart wrenching movie based on Jodi Picoult's 2004 book. Abigail Breslin plays Anna Fitzgerald, the younger sister of Kate Fitzgerald, played by Sophia Vassilieva. When the Fitzgerald family discovers that Kate has leukemia and no one else in the family is a match, they make the hard decision to conceive a genetically engineered baby that is a perfect fit and will provide spare parts for Kate. From the minute Anna was born she began donating parts of herself to help save her sister's life. When Anna turns 11 Kate's kidneys fail and Anna knows that she will be forced to donate in order to keep her sister alive. However, for the first time in her life Anna realizes that enough is enough and she is important to. Anna hires a lawyer, played by Alec Baldwin, and decides to sue her parents played by Cameron Diaz and Jason Patric for medical emancipation of her own body. The battle that ensues and the pain that is caused when the truth finally comes out makes for an amazing story line. I give my Sister's Keeper 3 thumbs up for its ability to make viewers realize how precious our lives really are how important it is not to take things for granted.

Movie Critic Crew Member: Whitney Putnam

The Proposal

The Proposal is a new release. The Proposal is focused around two main characters. Margaret Tate played by Sandra Bullock an editor at a New York publisher. And when Margaret, a Canadian, faces deportation for an expired visa, she convinces her assistant Andrew played by Ryan Reynold's to convince everyone they are getting married. Andrew agrees if she'll promise a promotion. When the government investigates, the two are forced to spend the weekend with his parents in Alaska in order to sell the lie. The family suggests they could marry the same weekend, and they reluctantly accept. I assumed from the beginning that this movie was going to be your typical love story and the only funny parts are the ones that are shown in the previews. However, I was rather surprised the movie kept my attention. Ryan Reynold's and Sandra Bullock played their parts perfectly. I thought the movie was hilarious and would definitely watch it again. I give this movie 3 thumbs up.

Movie Critic Crew Member: Maggie McLaughlin

The Ugly Truth

I was originally under the impression that the Ugly Truth was a full blown chick flick. However, the somewhat offensive and perverted insights of Mike Chadway, played by Girard Butler, are more than enough to keep any man interested. Abby, played by Katherine Heigl, is the producer of a family style news channel, that is until horrible ratings forced her boss to hire some new talent. The talent came in the form of Mike, the star of a show called the Ugly Truth that explains what men are really looking for in women and relationships. Abby clearly can not stand working with Mike, so he strikes up a deal in order to win her over. Mike agrees that if his tactics can't score Abby her dream date then he will quit and she will never have to work with him again. Little does Abby know that just when she wins over the man of her dreams, she will end up falling in love with someone she would have never imagined. I give the Ugly Truth 3 thumbs up for its ability to keep both males and females entertained and laughing.

Movie Critic Crew Member: Whitney Putnam

The Holiday

The movie The Holiday is the typical “chick flick” it is in my opinion korny and predictable. However, movies like this still catch my attention and I tend to watch over and over again. The Holiday is about two women (Cameron Diez and Kate Winslet ) troubled with guy-problems and decided to swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy. The local guys are played by Jude Law and Jack Black. I believe Jude Law does a great job living up to his character and was defitnitly my favorite in the movie. I give this movie 2 thumbs up. I enjoyed watching it yet if your looking for a movie with some mystery or keeping you on the edge of your seat, I wouldn’t recommend this one. Yet, great movie for a relaxing movie date.

Movie Critic Crew Member: Maggie McLaughlin

Knocked Up

The movie knocked up has recently been playing on one of my favorite channels the E! network. I saw this movie when it first came to the big screens but have not watched it since then. I was home alone last weekend and decided to watch it. The movie stars Seth Rogan (Ben) his first big movie premiere and Katherine Heigl (Allison). The movie is hilarious but has some crude humor. It revolves around Ben and Allison meeting in a club and having a one night stand which turns into the unexpected for Ben, when Alison announces to him that she is now pregnant with his child. Ben decides that the best thing to do is to get his life sorted so he can care for Alison and his new child, which isn't an easy job for him. I defintitly recommend this movie and give it 3 thumbs up. However, it is for an older audience and is rated R for a reason.

Movie Critic Crew Member: Maggie McLaughlin

Across the Universe

I was a bit skeptic when I went and saw this movie a few years ago (but now I can watch it more then once a day), one because it was a musical and two it used one of my favorite bands The Beatles' songs to help tell the story. After sitting down and going through the first musical score I was blown away, and then when the second score came to tell the story I knew that this movie was great. Across the Universe is a story that involves an upper-class woman, with an poorer English immigrant, who came to America to become a painter. Throw in background stories with friends and families of the two main characters, Jude(Jim Sturgess) and Lucy(Evan Rachel Wood), the Vietnam War, and other events during the time. The visuals are outstanding and go along with the music creating a synergy between the audio and visual. The actors singing voices, are also outstanding.Here is a clip from one of the beginning scenes from Across the Universe with Jude singing "Revolution." The story between Jude and Lucy does not stray from the movie, and is usually in sync though it seems to stray for a bit sometimes. There is some adult language in this movie, and given the time setting of the story, there is some minor drug use, with a little adult graphic, with violence and situations, but nothing too serious. I give Across the Universe Three Thumbs up, if I had more thumbs it would be give more but I don't!
Moive Critic Group Memeber: Tyler Tyzinski

Land of the Lost

If there was ever a hyped movie that didn't impress it was Land of the Lost, starring Will Farrell as Doctor Rick Marshall. The movie which was intended to be funny, only had maybe one or two scenes that made me laugh and the special effects and green screen imagery that they used didn't even come close to making the scenes look realistic. Dr. Marshall is a scientist that has come up with theories about time warps and how there is a parallel dimension that he is able to explore with a so called tachyon amplifier that he built. He is laughed out of science class by his colleagues and students, until another scientist named Holly Cantrel played by Anna Friel rescues him from teaching at an elementary school. They set out to find this so called other dimension and get help from Will Stanton (Danny McBride) and an creature named Chaka (Jorma Taccone). They run into dinosaurs and mystical creatures in their journey to find their tachyon amplifier so that they can return home. The movie becomes more and more bizarre and senseless and the story line diminishes into less then even remotely funny jokes. I give Land of the Lost two thumbs down, for a comedy it left me less then tickeled!

Movie Critic Crew Member: Adam Danch

Green Street Hooligans

If you ever wanted to see how crazy futbol is over in England, you have to watch this movie. Elijah Wood (Matt Buckner) stars as a kid that gets kicked out of school for his friend dealing drugs. He travels over to spend time with his cousin in England. He never knew how crazy people were about futbol over in England and would soon find out that it's not just about the game. Throughout the movie his cousin's firm Green Street Elite have encounters with other firms that represent other futbol teams from around England. Buckner (Wood) starts to develop a different aspect on life and how he handles it becomes even better. He finds out how to deal with people who try to push him around. The firm tries to protect their turf and travels with the team when they go out of town to away games. They have become a hated firm and Buckner's older cousin used to be the captain of the firm until he quit because of personal reasons. This is a great movie if you want to know what really goes on during futbol games over in England. It shows a whole different aspect of the world's game and brings the passion of why people enjoy futbol.

Movie Crew Member: Adam Danch

Homecoming

Talk about a psycho girlfirend, Shelby, played by Mischa Barton fits the role perfectly in what I would consider to be one of her best movies yet. When the love of her life, Mike, (played by Matt Long) returns home from college with his new girlfirend Elizabeth (played by 90210's Jessica Stroup), Shelby loses it. After severly injuring Elizabeth by hitting her with her car, Shelby decides to keep her locked up in her basement all the while convincing Matt that Elizabeth has left him and returned home. Shelby goes to the extremes of drugging and re-injuring Elizabeth to keep her quite while she trys to seduce Matt. What Shelby soon comes to realize is that Matt wants nothing to do with her and is actually in love with Elizabeth. The movie becomes increasingly dramatic as it goes on and it ends with a huge twist. Will Shelby get her revenge against Matt and Elizabeth or will their new relationship prevail. I give Homecoming 1 thumb up for its sick and twisted plot, but somewhat dragging story line.
Movie Critic Crew Member: Whitney Putnam

Trainspotting

This 1990's classic delves into the lives of a group of young Scottish friends and their troubles involving heroin. Warning: if you are totally offended by movies that do involve drug use I would strongly advise to pass on this unless you watch the movie with an open mind. The movie is not just about heroin but how Rents, played by Ewan McGregor in his first mainstream movie copes with his friends, addictions, family, and his views on life. Trainspotting reminded me of the movie "Requiem for a Dream" but it is much more up lifting. If you feel like enjoying a film that goes against the morals of modern society but has morals throughout the movie, I highly recommended this to those over the ages of 18. Trainspotting gets three thumbs up!

Movie Critic Crew Member: Tyler Tyzinski

The Orphan

If you are into sick and twisted plots, The Orphan is a must see! The movie draws you in by allowing you to see through the eyes of a mother who experienced a still birth and is coping through the use of alcohol. When one of her alcohol sprees threatens the life of her child, she promises herself she will change. Little does she know, the orphan that her and her husband adopt to fill the void in their lives will turn her world upside down. The child who was supposed to fix her family ends up tearing it apart. This movie is a thriller, but it may be hard for some to watch due to the violent content. I give the movie two thumbs up for keeping me on my toes and scared to death!

Movie Critic Crew Member : Whitney Putnam

A Bronx Tale

Being a talented actor doesnt mean that directing a movie is going to come easy and your going to be good at it. However, in the film A Bronx Tale, Robert Di Nero who stars in this film also directed it. This is a moving and gripping story about a young boy who has to live between the shadow of two powerful men, his own father (De Niro) and local gangster Sonny (Palminteri in his very greatest role).Yes, some may consider this a simple story, but that's the beauty of it. It's a down-to-earth, that perfectly mirrors the life of a boy like C growing up in the Bronx at such a hectic time. DeNiro captures every element of the 1960's Bronx. I give this movie 3 thumbs up and in ultimatley one of my favorite movies of all time. I recommend this movie to everyone.
Movie Critic Crew Member: Maggie McLaughlin

Astro Boy

Having some trouble filling a time gap this weekend with the family. Take them to see the Anime ASTRO BOY directed by David Bowers. This great family flick stars Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) who has superpowers, but is shaped and acts like a typical boy. His creator Tenma (Nicolas Cage) gives him powers that he will eventually use to save his friends and family from evil powers after taking a trip to fight robots that have never been seen by humans. In the end Astro Boy has to find a way to save his family and friends, and find out how he is a true hero and what he is made of. This movie has gotten good reviews because of the humor and great story play. So, if your going to see a movie I would recommend ASTRO BOY for the family. It should be a good and fun filled adventure. Other also making voice appearances in the movie are, Kristen Bell, Nathan Lane, Eugene Levy, Samuel L. Jackson, Charlize Theron, Matt Lucas and many more.
Movie Critic Crew member: Adam Danch

Sunshine Cleaning

If you are looking for a chick flick that is not only empowering but also a tear jerker, Sunshine Cleaning is the movie for you. A single mother (Amy Adams) is having trouble paying the bills with her current maid service career, when her detective "friend" introduces her to an outrageous but profitable alternative. Amy and her sister (Emily Blunt) form their biohazard clean-up company Sunshine Cleaning, which pays well but involves disposing of the aftermath of crime and murder scenes. Their new career takes a turn for the worse when Amy's sister becomes to close to one of the victim's children and makes a huge mistake on the job. But in the end everything works out and the Sunshine Cleaning Company becomes more of a family business then expected. I would give this movie 1 thumb up for a tear jerking chick flick comedy that is sure to give any woman hope!

Movie Critic Crew Member: Whitney Putnam

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Many of us probably have memories of people that we would like to erase from our minds, this excellent movie goes into this idea. Staring Jim Carey in one of his best serious roles, also Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood, and Kristen Dunst. Joel played by Carey wakes up one morning wanting to erase all of his memories of his past girlfriend Clementine. He has good reason to, because she does not recognize him anymore. After he finds out that she has deleted him from her memory, he wants the same procedure done. What he doesn't realize in this romantic comedy is that he really dosn't want to delete these memories, because it is all that he has left of her, and reminds him of how much Joel still loves Clemetine. I give this 3 thumbs up, the story line is excellent, and the cinamatography is very different but makes it feel like you are in Joel's memories.

Movie Critic Crew Member: Tyler Tyzinski

The Uninvited

The Uninvited was a movie that I never heard of and decided to order off of movies on demand this weekend. Im usually not one to watch something that I have never heard of but to be honest my roommate insisted. The movie was directed by both Thomas and Charles Guard. The Uninvited tells the story of a young girl named Anna (Emily Browning), who was admitted into a mental hospital following the death of her biological mother. Returning home some time later, Anna is shocked to discover that her father has recently gotten engaged to Rachel (Elizabeth Banks), her mother's former nurse. She becomes suspicious and Anna and her sister do everything they can to prove that Rachel inntentions are not genuine. The movie takes a twisted turn in the end and was deifinetly a movie that really shocked me. I give this movie 2 thumbs up. I do reccommend seeing this movie and I now have a different opinion when it comes to watching movies I have never heard of.

Movie Critic Crew Member: Maggie McLaughlin

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

I recently took my 3 year old son to the movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. At first I was skeptical that it I would not be able to relate, but I was more than surprised to discover that it was really an all around family movie. The movie puts a fun twist on the weather, love, gluttony, fame and even family life. Those in attendance found the movie to be very humorous, giggles and laughter were heard constantly, and there were even some jokes that adults could relate to. The movie was great at sparking your imagination and drawing you into the life of the main character. I would rate the movie 1 thumb up...change in forecast...Sunny with a Chance of Meatballs!

Movie Critic Crew Member: Whitney

Movie Critic Crews Rating Scale

Movie Rating Scale

3 Thumbs Down- The Movie was a complete waste of time

2 Thumbs Down- The Movie fell way below our expectations

1 Thumb Down-The Movie was not as good as we thought it would be

1 Thumb Up-The Movie just met our expectations

2 Thumbs Up-The Movie was good but we would only recommend it to some people

3 Thumbs Up-The Movie was amazing and we would recommend it to anyone

Hello and welcome to our blog, "We give it three thumbs up!" Our movie critic crew, including Adam, Maggie, Tyler, and Whitney, share one common interest, we all love movies. We will be blogging everyday about movie related topics. Our goal is to share with you our honest opinions and reviews of movies, producers, directors, and actors. Follow our blog to see what new movies will be coming out in theatres and for rental each week. Feel free to comment and give your own opinions of the movies we will be discussing too!