Archive for July, 2011

Movie Rentals Releasing Tuesday July 26, 2011


Author: EdG

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Marvel Enterprises, Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Studios

Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Natalie Dormer, Stanley Tucci, Dominic Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones, Hayley Atwell, Richard Armitage, Sebastian Stan

It’s WWII and Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) wants to be able to fight the Germans with all his heart, but he’s a little guy and they won’t let him. He lies about his home, and tries to join in three or four different states, but no luck. Then suddenly he is chosen for a big time experiment as perhaps the thing that will turn the tide in the war. Meanwhile, the Germans have their own secret experiments. Steve will have to use all his wits and strength to save the world as Captain America. This is the start of a whole new Avengers franchise.

This is one of the best of the action films out this summer. I really enjoyed this one, as perhaps it’s a bit more cerebral than some of the others. The action is good, but it’s placed back in the 1940’s so it has a certain WWII feel to it that makes it unique. My daughter says Chris Evans is HOT, but I don’t know about that. But he’s certainly tough. He is the chosen one because they don’t need strength, they need someone who has morals and a strong sense of duty and right and wrong, someone with compassion. Chris is backed up by some other good characters. Stanley Tucci is Dr Erskine, the scientist who recruits Steve because of the qualities he sees in him. Tommy Lee Jones plays Colonel Chester Phillips a tough military man who can’t believe he’s been given Steve to work with on this project. Then there’s Hayley Atwell who plays Peggy Carter, an officer herself, but one who is really attracted to Captain America. This is so patriotic and feel good, that some European countries (and China) would not allow it to be shown as Captain America, so insisted it be released in their country as “The First Avenger”. Erskine (who’s German though) gives a grand speech about how everybody forgets that before Hitler conquered any other country, he conquered Germany. It makes you think.

The fighting is realistic, and not over the top. The suspense is good, and there is a lot of humor in this film. Many of the audience laughed out loud numerous times. As I’ve said in other reviews, I’m not normally a fan of superhero “comic book” movies, but this one was really good. I enjoyed all 2 hours 10 minutes of the film, and it was not too long at all. It was very entertaining and quite interesting throughout, and deserves the big box office it is getting. I watched it in 3D and the 3D was really good. I am really getting to enjoy 3D very much. This film has a lot of heartwarming moments along with the comedy and is a good all around film. I would also much rather take younger kids to this kind of action movie as opposed to Thor, Transformers, Green Lantern, or Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Partly due to the 1940’s time frame, it’s very family friendly. Nice job Marvel!

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

 

 

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Author: EdG

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Audience Alliance Motion Picture Studios (AAMPS), Element 115 Productions

Luke Arnold, Timothy Hutton, Alexa Vega, Rhys Wakefield, Andy McPhee

Broken Hill is the story of Tommy McAlpine (Luke Arnold) who works long and hard on the sheep station in the Australian Outback. He has a talent for music and dreams of becoming a composer and performer and wants to pursue that dream, but of course, Dad doesn’t respect that at all. Tommy meets a pretty American girl in school and is mesmerized by her, but she wants nothing to do with him. Finally she ropes him into some trouble without his realizing what is going on, and they both get sent to public service. Tommy chooses to start a choir in the local prison, and Kat Rogers (Alexa Vega) tags along to learn Tommy’s true value.

This is a movie like a lot of other movies. It’s a lot like Billy Elliot or Fame or a bunch of other movies where dad doesn’t want the kid to follow his dream, but instead wants him to live his dream. But the unique parts about this film are the strong Australian backdrop and some pretty strong acting by Luke Arnold, Alexa Vega, and Timothy Hutton. It’s a pretty well done story, and is really a PG, so there’s no really offensive parts at all in the film. It’s a good family film, and a great one to pick up for a family night at home watching a DVD. You’ll learn a lot about life in the Australian outback and enjoy a strong story of some really good people trying to do their best. Its heartwarming, and funny in parts, and very inspirational. It’s a good choice for a little movie that I’m sure you’ve missed out on, and not a hyper-promoted summer blockbuster. Once in a while it’s good fun to just relax and watch a good family film without a lot of gore, sex, and violence. This is a very cute little family film.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

 

 

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Author: EdG

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Screen Siren Pictures, The Film Farm, Lila 9th Productions

Kat Dennings, Reece Thompson, Josh Lucas, Andie MacDowell, Rachel Blanchard, Natasha Calis, Quinn Lord, Calum Worthy, Katie Boland

Caroline (Kat Dennings) is the new kid in a small town school. She is much more experienced and just plain smarter than the rural kids she’s in school with, so on a lark, she decides to seduce her English Teacher (Josh Lucas). As time passes, Caroline grows weary of the older guy and wants to spend more time with guys her own age, but Mr. Anderson is not having it. He is trying hard to keep her with him now that he’s in love with her. This is a humorous, but dark romantic drama and a coming of age story.

This is really, despite the dark side and the serial killings, death, and such, it’s really a story of a little girl who thinks she’s much more grown up than she really is. Everyone seems to be looking for something, and what they think they want, is not what they really need. Kat Dennings is really pretty good in this film, and plays it pretty well. She has a lot of backup as well. It’s not a wonderful movie, and it is an indie film, so it’s probably not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is definitely not terrible either. Many other critics did not like it, but just as many love it, so it’s hard to tell. I thought it was worth the time watching, and if you’re up to an indie romantic dark comedy, it will serve just fine.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

 

 

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Fox Searchlight

Ed Helms, John C Reilly, Sigourney Weaver, Rob Corddry, Anne Heche

Tim (Ed Helms) is an insurance salesman from a tiny town and has never been away from home. But he’s sent to the city of Cedar Rapids to a big insurance convention where he’s expected to bring home the two diamonds award for the 4th straight time. This is his first trip however (the previous winner is no longer living!), and so he’s petrified and doesn’t know how to survive in the big city. He tries to fit in, but meets up with some unusual characters who teach him a bit too much about the convention lifestyle! “What happens in Cedar Rapids, stays in Cedar Rapids”.

This is a surprisingly funny little film. With top notch stars like John C Reilly, Sigorney Weaver, and Rob Corddry there are enough funny bits to make the story very light and enjoyable. It’s a fish out of water story, but told in a unique and very pleasing way. Tim finds out a lot more than he wants to know about city life and can’t wait to head back to the small town. But events and circumstances may make that an impossible journey. But first he has to survive the misadventures his friends put him up to.

I recommend this for anyone who’s been on a business trip and can relate to the troubles staying in a motel with 3 roommates can bring. It’s funny, clever, and well told. I thought it a good little film.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

 

 

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