Movie: The Avengers

I went with some friends the other day to see The Avengers.  Before the movie premiered, we were all a little nervous that the film was going to be a cash in and not live up to expectations.  Once critic reviews started pouring in, we were all able to breathe a sigh of relief.  The movie has performed phenomenally at the box office, and for good reason.  It is quick, witty, action packed and doesn't lose sight of its characters in the process.

Nearly all of the Marvel characters that comprise the Avengers, save Hawkeye and the Black Widow, have had their own recent standalone movies, which have also done well for the most part.  This allowed for the majority of these complex character's personalities to be fleshed out prior to this newest film.  This is what worried my friends and myself initially, that these characters who had been established well would be quickly thrown together in something that a huge target of fans would obligatorily see in some unpolished mess.  With the limited time a movie can feasibly run, it isn't easy to pull off multiple main characters without it coming off stale, or leaving them undeveloped, which fortunately isn't the case with this film.  One of the most interesting aspects of the film and also a big reason why it succeeds, is the portrayal of these big dynamic character's clashing personalities thrust together and forced to interact with one another.  At this point we all know that Captain America stands for things like justice, order, and good old fashion values.  We know Iron Man is quick witted and too smart for his own good.  This creates a scenario for conflict.  We know the Hulk, or Bruce Banner rather, is also a brilliant scientist, which runs parallel to Tony Stark's intellect and could serve to create a connection between them, or perhaps rivalry.  The interactions between the character's are pulled off carefully and yet effortlessly.

Speaking of Bruce Banner, many people are voicing their opinions about the Hulk in the Avengers.  People almost universally concur it is one of the best portrayals of the Hulk in film as of late.  It combines  the charm and wit of the Bruce Banner character with the tension and nervousness that he could transform into the uncontrollable beast at a seconds whim.  In this regard the Hulk overall works better as a supporting character in the Avengers, than both of his recent standalone films.

The villain of the film is Loki, Thor's brother.  This to me is pretty much a necessity, because although I'm not overly familiar with the source material in regards to the Avengers, what on Earth could possibly challenge this team composition?  Due to the success of the film, there is already a sequel in the works.  If it is done as well as this film, I can't wait to see it.  If you're a fan of these superheroes, or entertaining films in general, do yourself a favor and see it!

Movie: World's Greatest Dad

World's Greatest Dad is an extremely dark comedy starring Robin Williams.  The movie centers around Lance, an unsuccessful writer who's dream is to become famous, reach a broad audience and make money while doing so.  Lance has tried to publish five different novels, each time being rejected by publishing companies.  Instead, Lance has had to settle for teaching poetry class at a high school.  Lance is a single father who's son Kyle is a stereotypical jerk of a teen.  Lance tries to be a good father but Kyle's poor actions often result in hardship for Lance. 

Eventually Kyle kills himself in an embarrassing way.  Distraught, Lance creates a more bearable suicide setting and in the heat of the moment writes a deep suicide letter that sets the stage for a plethora of changes in his life.  Suddenly everyone at the high school who hated Kyle can relate to him and overall things turn pretty positive for Lance.  As Lance tries to continue to shroud the truth by spinning webs of lies, things start to get out of hand and perhaps a bit too surreal.

This movie uses a lot of symbolism and especially a great deal of irony.  With any dark comedy, there's a fair amount of shock or appalling scenarios.  The film may be a bit predictable and of course it doesn't contain the slapstick hilarity that is often expected of Robin Williams, but overall it is pretty funny when considering the ironic situations that are infused throughout.  It is currently available streaming on Netflix.  I would recommend it to fans of dark comedies, but it definitely isn't for everyone.

Movie: The Big Lebowski

I remember when this movie came out 14 years ago and people were talking about it, at a younger age I watched some of it but only made it a quarter of the way through, not really following or appreciating its uncanny flow of story.  Years later, after the the Coen brothers have made an even bigger name for themselves with blockbusters like No Country For Old Men, Burn After Reading and True Grit's remake, I decided to revisit this movie.

I am very glad I did.  This comedy is absolutely hysterical and genuinely entertaining.  The story revolves around "The Dude"  who's real name is Jeffrey Lebowski.  His typical day revolves around meandering about, drinking white russians, and bowling with his other dead beat pals, John Goodman's character being a Vietnam vet and Steve Buscemi's character being a befuddled abused bowler along for the ride.  Things get mixed up when the dude gets mistaken for a millionaire by the same name, Lebowski.  Thugs try to get the money owed to them from the wrong Lebowski and proceed to pee on his rug that "really tied the room together."  Then the film transitions to a kidnapping scenario.  The Coen brothers are really good at developing characters.  Really the plot doesn't matter in this movie, but instead serves to create scenarios for these different characters to interact.  That is what this movie is really about.

If you haven't ever seen this film, there is a chance that it isn't for you.  It doesn't really follow a linear predictable story, but again ties scenarios together for the sake of letting these characters develop.  As such, it yields some pretty hilarious interaction between The Dude, his friends, and some upper crust of society.  Years later, I've now determined I really like it.  I'm given the impression this is one of those films you could watch many times and still get enjoyment out of.

Movie: The Adventures of Tintin

Another movie theater trip with friends, another audaciously mortifying experience with surround sound popcorn and foot stamping aplenty.  Whoever set the trend for it being all right to chow down with some of the most ridiculously loud food possible to eat while simultaneously paying money to watch something that commands the respect of silence and concentration, especially when surrounded by large groups of people that will most definitely be subject to the whim of the consumer's masseter muscles overture, should have a taste of their own medicine with ears wide open.

With that, I'd like to recommend The Adventures of Tintin.  This movie utilizes motion capture and 3D animation.  The end result is something that looks visually stunning and downright realistic in some situations.  The movie follows the story of Tintin, a journalist who goes on many an adventure with his trusty and intelligent dog, Snowy.  Often times, two similar looking bumbling interpol agents happen to be on the same case and often tie into the story with humorous effect.  Another key character, Captain Haddock, a seafaring man who's thirst for adventure is as unquenchable as his love for alcohol, generally gets dragged into the fray.  I had never read the books/comics, nor had I seen the TV show, so I went into the movie knowing very little about the source material, save my friends' high hopes for the film.  That didn't seem to matter though, as it essentially supplied the viewer with all the information they needed to know about the history of Tintin.

With Stephen Spielberg at the helm and John Williams doing the music, I could quickly tell this film wasn't going to disappoint, just by the stylistic opening credits and theme.  Apparently Tintin has gone on many adventures, but this one epic is definitely worth seeing in my opinion.  An action packed adventure filled with suspense and mystery, some humorous elements and fast paced forward momentum.  The movie had seamlessly excellent transitions between the scenes and some pretty neatly illustrated chase scenes as well.  It all fits neatly together to be a pretty enjoyable experience.  It is a pretty clever movie and I'd expect most people would enjoy it.  I recommend you give it a chance, especially if you've got a yearn for adventure you would like to whet. 

Movie: Limitless

I thought Limitless was a pretty interesting movie.  It is currently available streaming instantly on Netflix. It centers itself around the ever fascinating topic regarding the fact that humans don't use the entirety of their brains, and humors the affects that would occur if a drug were able to allow one to harness that other portion.   

A demotivated writer named Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper), serendipitously happens upon his ex- brother in law from his past marriage, who also happens to be a shady drug dealer.  Eddie, being in such a depressed and uninspired funk, eventually decides to take a specific drug that he was ensured would help him focus, and transforms into an extremely intelligent, witty guy with an incredible drive for being constructive.  However, when the drug wears off, he loses this ability to harness the rest of his brain and becomes regular old Eddie again.  This sets the stage for a plethora of interesting events and engagements with other people Eddie would never have met or interacted with, had he not taken the drug.


The movie is pretty entertaining.  The colors of the movie are dull and gray when Eddie is sober and brilliantly colorful when he is on the drug.  Without spoiling it, obviously things start to happen that shakes the foundation of Eddie's new lifestyle.
If you haven't seen it, give it a viewing.  If anything, it will probably make you consider what you would attempt with new-found confidence and brainpower.

Movie: Batman: Under the Red Hood

Batman: Under the Red Hood is an animated film, currently available on Netflix.  Batman has had a stellar career when it comes to his animated adventures.  If you are a fan of the 90's series or any Batman that is not really campy, you will feel right at home watching this.


Most people don't adapt well to change.  Consistently, in most of the animated films and tv shows revolving around Batman, Kevin Conroy has voiced Batman, while Mark Hamill has voiced the Joker.  The most recent (and perhaps final appearance of these two voice actors together in the same media) would be the new Batman games, Arkham Asylum, as well as Arkham City.  At first I was a little disappointed to discover that neither of them were involved in this film.  Even further, I was disappointed to find out that the story would revolve around Robin.  A good majority of Batman fans will attest that when Robin is included in a story, it often times results in a less than appealing outing for Batman.

I was really content to learn that although most of these factors seemed to spell out disaster for this film, it is probably one of the better, if not the best animated Batman I've seen.  The film really captures what is so cool about Batman.  It also tells a pretty touching tail that makes one rethink Robin's position in the series.  It definitely made me eat my words.

If you're a fan of Batman, I highly recommend you give this a shot.  It is really well animated, dark, action packed and intense.

Movie: Captain America

I went to another summer blockbuster with a friend.  The environment was less than pleasant.  Behind us we had a child who broke almost all movie theater etiquette, kicking my seat, talking and asking questions throughout, performing tap dancing, rattling wrapping paper, chomping popcorn and bursting out laughing at the elderly dying on screen.  It made me reflect on how I may deal with children someday.  On the one hand I really don't think I would want to raise a child to be another drone in society and fit so well into the safety of the norm so as not to break it and be noticed.  On the other hand though, I think I would want to caution my child as to what is expected in certain settings so they don't ignorantly break the rules while being completely oblivious as to them doing anything wrong.  To the side of us there was a couple of twenty somethings, texting away throughout the movie.  This was most prevalent during quiet dark scenes, suddenly from the peripheral, one could notice the shimmering face of this person who was clearly not an actor/actress in the movie, accompanied by ticking sounds of the keypad.

Despite the chronic external noise, I did like Captain America.  The majority of the film is set during World War II.  An unexpected fragile soldier with a big heart becomes a hero in fighting against the evil Nazi's.  It's always been a compelling propaganda story in history, and seemed to adapt to film all right.  It is very obvious that a lot of the film is setting up for "The Avengers" movie due out next summer, with cross overs from Iron Man, as well as the expected Nick Fury appearance.  It also made me realize that if you're strong enough, you can make a heavy frisbee a pretty deadly weapon.  It was entertaining to watch and action packed.  I will agree with what film critic Roger Ebert said, that it does feel like the film is "Going through the motions," but that doesn't necessarily make it bad.  It is more or less what you would expect from this film and nothing more... or less.

If you are a fan of comic book adapted films, you're going to want to see this one.  He is the first Avenger after all, and surely you will want to be prepared for the crossover film next year.  Just do not go in expecting to be surprised and you will most likely enjoy this film.

Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

After seeing the stellar first part of the adaptation of J.K Rowling's 7th Potter book, it was a downright necessity to see the end.  I had read all of the books throughout life previously, so each time one of these movies came along, I've been quick to notice what I do and don't like about the movies.  For instance, many people didn't like the 5th book, but it stuck out to me as one of my more favored entries.  However, the movie for the 5th left me wanting.  It felt like it was on fast forward most of the time.  I also remember key parts in the book that seemed glaringly ignored in the movie, which made me wonder how they would explain things in the future movies.  I also didn't really like the 3rd movie, because it felt like half the movie summed up 90% of the book, with the other half summing up the conclusion; the end result seeming like an unequal lopsided telling of what was originally a pretty in depth story.
With these points aside, the majority of the movies were really good.  The 4th, 6th and these last two especially stuck out as very good adaptations that really worked well.  Before I talk about the movie itself, I might as well recap the obvious point that when you go to a movie, you are going to become absorbed in the film.  I had many distractions throughout the course of the showing, with a kid next to me continually waving his arms as if to press piano keys that would make the noise "DUN DUN DUN!!!!" each time some pivotal point by the villain would take place.  As well, the speaker above us was constantly making what sounded like someone finishing off their soda, slurping away.  At first I thought it was some weird sound effect for the snake, but unfortunately it was just a rattling speaker.  This caused many turning heads towards it in an effort to give it a dirty eye glance, with no such luck of stopping its persistent interruptions.  I mention these distractions, because although they sucked me out of the films grasp often momentarily, I had ease drifting right back in.

By this point, all of the characters are extremely developed.  You have genuine care and concern for what each of them represent.  Much of the credit of course goes to the author, for writing such a captivating story, but those who adapted it into a film did a really good job.  The only part I felt could have been handled better was the Snape's memory scene.  It really hit home in the book.  I kind of understand why they did it the way they did, but I didn't feel it left the same residual effect in the viewer, that those who read it would have most definitely felt.  Other than that, the movie deserves all the praise it has been getting and more.  It is dark, suspenseful, dramatic and powerful.  Many fans feel they've grown up with these movies, which in fact they literally have as the actors have aged into their roles.  If you are a Harry Potter fan and have read the books/seen the movies, I don't have to tell you that this is a necessary watch.  If you are interested but have never read or seen the others, I'd highly suggest viewing those first or you're going to be completely lost.

By the end of the movie, I felt a door closing.  Finally the film adaptations are complete.  Now for us all to await either another book in the series that J.K Rowling said she wouldn't be making, or a spin off movie that those who worked on the film will never secure the rights to,  or a reboot of all the films when the next jump in technology takes place. 

Movie: The Godfather Series

Well then.  What is there to say about a series that has been hailed as legendary since before I was born.  There really isn't anything more I can add to the heaps of critical analysis and praise this series has received over the years, but I am going to talk about it anyway.  I had never seen The Godfather movies until just recently.  I have always admired De Nero and Pacino's work, so it is a little ironic I haven't seen these movies until now.  I finally got the urge to sit down and watch them.  Man, are they long.  They certainly evoke an epic aura of classic from start to finish.

Unless you have purposefully avoided classic crime movies, or the length of them has daunted you, you probably have seen these movies already.  If you haven't, I recommend you give them a try.  In The Godfather, the story follows the Sicilian Corleone family.  Don Corleone is the tired old Godfather who, like the other members of the great five families, is essentially is large and in charge.  He has a host of sons, one of which is Al Pacino.  Through a series of events, Italian opera music is played and dramatic scenes of disrespect and vengeance are rolled out.

The Godfather Part II is more of the same, only better.  It focuses on Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) once more, as well as a flashback younger version of Don Vito Corleone (Robert De Nero), which serves as background story on how the Don climbed his way to the top.  This movie was around 4 hours long and extremely well done.
The Godfather Part III has been held as the weakest of the films in the series. Without spoiling much, it revolves around a more tired, depressed, but wiser Michael Corleone.  In it, the older Michael wishes to expunge himself from all ties to crime and go a more legitimate route, while his other business partners want to maintain the way things have been.  While I agree that it is the weakest of the films, being that a lot of the key players from the earlier films are no longer involved, it is still a very well done film and worthy of The Godfather name.



Overall this is a great series from the past.  There is a reason why they are considered classics.  In an age before fancy special effects were largely incorporated, a special tale of blunt realism and well crafted dialogue was put forth. If you ever find yourself yearning for the best mafia flicks, or haven't seen them in a while, give this series a viewing.  You may like it now that you've grown a little more.  Now shut up, kiss the hand and pay the Don a little respect.

Movie: Cars 2

Before this goes any further, I think we should all take a step back and realize what goes into one's perception of how enjoyable a movie is.  Unfortunately, as unbiased and focused as one may try to be, there will always be external distractions that can create noise and subconsciously chip away at one's enjoyment.  When I go to a movie I try to quell all outside issues and solely focus on what I'm watching.  That is the best way to immerse yourself in the story being told.  No one can consistently and unwaveringly accomplish this.  Even Roger Ebert has admitted that his opinion on a movie from time to time has been skewed to one side or the other depending on what type of mood he was in that day.  On top of that, other variables exist to alter one's perception.  If someone is told a movie absolutely sucks, they will go into watching that movie with very low expectations and may find they like it a lot more than they would have, had the bar been set high.  This works vice-verca as well. 

With that said, I liked Pixar's newest film.  I watched it during a sweet spot of time where I felt no rush of an outside obligation, or worry.  This of course could also be attributed to Pixar's ability to captivate the viewer.  The friends I went with also liked it, but during analysis after the film, revealed that they liked the first one better.  This seems to be the common trend right now, as the majority of reviews are unfavorable concerning Cars 2.  I do understand a lot of their qualms with the movie.  At times it felt a little convoluted, being that there seemed to be 3-4 separate stories going on at the same time.  It felt like the main character of the first one took a metaphorical back seat to a side character.  It also had a drastically different type of flow too.  Cars 2 could be cataloged as a spy flick.  Unknowingly the tow truck is suspected as being an adept spy by other secret agent cars, which gets him into trouble.
 I heard a mother a few days prior to seeing the film talk about how it was a little violent to be bringing her kids to.  While it is true, that some cars do blow up and since the cars are alive, this insinuates murder, I don't adopt that same mentality.  I typically think parents should make their children aware of the differences in the world, but explain right from wrong while doing so.  Why deprive a child of a movie they are sure to enjoy, because it has some themes that we want to shelter said children from.  If we do that, the child will encounter those themes someday on their own when we might not be able to give them the guidance they need to conquer them.  Or worse, it may inject a sense of curiosity and defiance as to why these issues were kept from them or forbidden rather than explained.  Why weren't they trusted.  Didn't the parent believe in them?  That should be a separate post all together though.
I liked the first Cars film, but something felt off about it to me.  Like a lot of people, it really is hard for me to get past the fact that these cars have eyes and are driving around talking.  The same could be said about Toy Story, A Bug's Life and many more movies which don't bother me, but Cars stands out as a sore thumb because of the use of other vehicles as their transport.  What kind of communist society are these Cars living in where they dictate that the boat will be created for the cars travel, or the plane's sole focus in life will be to get Flashy Race Car from point A to point B?  What a great role that cog plays in the wheel.  The proletariat shouldn't stand for it!

Anyway, it was a pretty enjoyable film.  After a string of epic thought provoking films like Up and Wall-E(my favorite Pixar film), it is easy to see why people were underwhelmed by this Pixar entry.  It doesn't try to be anything other than a fast paced high octane film that conveys that the director has a true love for Cars.  If you enjoy Pixar films and don't go into this one looking for a life changing moral or more emotion than a laughable rusty tow truck can provide, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Movie: Mrs. Doubtfire

Another classic comedy I had never taken the time to watch while I was younger. I recently by impulse watched Robin Williams' Mrs. Doubtfire. I found this movie hilarious. Maybe I was just in a really good mood, but I haven't seen a comedy this funny in quite a while.

Mrs. Doubtfire is a film about a man who winds up divorced because his serious wife does not want to put up with his crazy antics anymore. She has lost her love for him. It becomes heartbreaking for the man when it is determined that he will only be able to see his three kids on Saturday's. Out of desperation, he comes up with the idea to apply as their nanny by changing his voice and putting on old lady's clothing. The whole movie really is a ploy, set up to see Robin Williams switch in and out of voices and impressions. At times the characters such as the children, as well as the archetypal genuine father seem a little hard to believe, its enjoyability doesn't directly stem from one's ability to believe what they're seeing, but rather the comedy that ensues from these fake situations.

If you haven't seen Mrs. Doubtfire, give it a go on Netflix. You are sure to get several big laughs out of it, as well as a genuine respect for Robin Williams talent.

Movie: Hobo With A Shotgun

Hobo with a Shotgun, currently available on Netflix instant streaming, is a gruesome movie.  It spews with gratuitous unnecessary violence from start to finish.  Unless you are a grade-A psychopath, you will be wincing with disgust throughout.  This movie's goal is to entertain through these means, along with purposefully cheesy dialogue and supporting scenes between action segments.  In this light, it does not disappoint.

If you have seen or heard of the film Machete, you would probably be familiar with what to expect regarding Hobo With A Shotgun.  Both films were never originally intended to be made, but were instead fake trailers to accompany Quentin Tarantino's Grindhouse combo movie.  Due to fan requests, these films actually ended up being made.

Hobo With A Shotgun follows the story of a lone Hobo who enters a city by hopping a free ride on a train, to start life anew.  Unfortunately for our protagonist Hobo, he has entered the most diabolical crime ridden city ever known in the existence of mankind.  As he observes the city, he watches as people are being beaten up, taken advantage of, and being abducted left and right.  Awful displays of gore litter most scenes.  In some parts it really reminded me of the dark humor and setting of the Robocop films.
As one would guess, eventually that there Hobo just couldn't take it no more.  He throws away his dreams of starting over, to instead try to rid the city of these criminals.

This film isn't for the feint of heart.  More than likely if you've got a good moral compass and allow the movie to absorb you in  all its cheesy splendor, you will sit there puckered up with disgust, trying to fathom how a city could get so rotten and hypothesize the best way to correct the predicament said city is in, at which point you will realize you're way over-thinking it and instead subside into a more comatose state that takes in all the blood, guts, alcohol, and brain dead dialogue.  Check it out!

Movie: Kung Fu Panda 2

Some friends and I recently during the summer, saw Kung Fu Panda 2.  For anyone that saw the first one and enjoyed it, this sequel more than serves its purpose, expanding upon the original and beyond.
Kung Fu Panda was about Po, a Panda with Jack Black's voice wishing he could be a kung fu master, but a combination of his own gluttony and social economic status held him back.  His confidence did not waver though and through a series of training montages and battles, by the end of the first movie he achieved his goal.
While the original may have had a more inspired enemy, the sequel generally exceeds the first movie in most aspects.  From the beginning, a lot of very cool fighting scenes take place with Po and his partners in a team like fashion.  Since it has already become established that Po knows how to fight, there wasn't any slow to start regarding his talent.  Strangely throughout the movie he exhibits spikes and drops in his fighting ability, which I think is an inconsistency that is supposed to convey his lack of concentration and 'inner peace,' as well as just to be a joke.
Like the first one, Kung Fu Panda 2 has a really star studded cast.  So much so that many of the stars seem to only have a few sentences of dialogue each.  Often times the characters seem to speak solely to get one of the supporting actors lines out, rather than actual progression of the story.  Jackie Chan is Po's monkey friend, yet no one would really notice that without looking at the credits beforehand.  Some characters like Angelina Jolie's Tiger and Seth Rogan's Praying Mantis have a little more limelight.  Regardless of the unecessarily full to the brim list of names in the movie, it doesn't have a negative affect.

Overall, if you want to see something comedic, fun, and enjoyable to look at, with a semi engaging story and beautiful art direction, give Kung Fu Panda 2 a viewing when it comes to dvd.  As most open minded people are aware these days, you don't have to be a kid in all cases, to enjoy something animated.

Movie: Super 8

Love him or hate him, you have to admit J.J. Abrams comes up with some pretty unique stuff.  I recently went to the movie Super 8 with some friends.  For me, it definitely accomplished what it seemed to be setting out to do.

Super 8 really feels like an extreme homage to early Steven Spielberg movies.  This shouldn't be too much of a surprise as Spielberg collaborated with J.J. Abrams in making the film.  From using child actors appropriately and somehow making them more interesting than annoying, to combining comedy, suspense and elements of sci-fi, at some moments you could swear you were watching a long lost Steven Spielberg classic like The Goonies or ET.  Some critics say the film stumbles in some areas to ultimately jog you out of this feeling, but for me it didn't seem to hinder the movie.

The story revolves around a group of kids that make films together and are trying to finish their newest production to enter it in a film contest.  This is a very endearing element to me, as well as I'm sure many other like-minded individuals who can relate to doing things similarly in their childhoods.  When a train derails during the middle of one of their takes, things start to become eerie in their once quaint town.  Even with a strong military presence, the children play a major role in uncovering the truth about these strange happenings.  The characters grow throughout the film and learn life long lessons along the way.

I found this to be a very entertaining piece of summer cinema.  If you're looking for a truly good movie that evokes nostalgia albeit being produced in the present day, look no further than this film.  It is one of the better one's I have seen this year so far.

Movie: Back To The Future Series

I am ashamed to admit it, but until just recently, I hadn't seen the Back to the Future movies in their entirety.  I think I had seen all of the first one, parts of the second, and none of the third, save a few clips of cowboy hats and horse riding, which at a younger age turned me away from wanting to see it.

I had finally decided to watch them being in case I ever get around to playing Telltale game's new Back to the Future episodic games, I would need to know the story.  In a way, I am a little glad that I hadn't taken the opportunity until now, as I probably wouldn't have fully appreciated them years back as a kid.  These three movies definitely fit in the realm of "They don't make 'em like they used to," and are a testament to, for better or worse, the 80's ability to churn out some pretty different movies. 


There are a number of things that made these movies so great.  First off, the story is intriguing and symbolic dealing with the main character's past and future in order to solve problems in the present day and learn life lessons.  Next, the characters are truly unique and develop over the course of the films to a point where one could have genuine care for them.  One thing that stood out to me was that there didn't seem to be a single unnecessary or boring scene.  Every scene seemed to be propelling the story forward in a fast paced and action packed direction.  That is saying something, considering the story spans across three feature length movies.  As well, in true 80s fashion, some of the humor is truly corny, but adds to the nostalgia factor.  Some of the best scenes involve Christopher Lloyd's Doc Brown reacting non verbally to something that calls for a "Great Scott!"

Very imaginative, funny and enjoyable to watch, The Back to the Future trilogy is a timeless classic and staple of American cinema.  Parodied in many other movies and TV shows, it has become part of American culture to an extent.  One can't think about a DeLorean without also thinking about a time machine.

If it has been a while since you've watched them, or if you have never seen them before, gives these movies a watch.  Go back to a time when 1.21 Jiggawatts was a startling amount of energy, Johnny Be Good was too new to be recognized as a classic and bullies somehow reigned completely unchecked as if there were no law and order at all.  You may even begin to start thinking fourth dimensionally again!

Movie: Thor

Well, for the foreseeable future it is supposed to rain here in the great state of Maine, so full scale outdoor summer events are taking a back seat for at least a week. I just recently watched the movie Thor with one of my brothers and a few friends, so I figured I would write a little about it.

Overall, I thought it was a pretty good movie. We are fortunately living in an age where comic book character themed movies have become accepted and mainstream as a credible source material. I have never read any Thor comic books, nor am I really a big comic book fan, but superheroes have become linked overtime with many forms of media so I've learned enough about Thor to understand the jest of what the movie would entail.

It is an excellent marketing strategy that has been devised in the past few superhero movies prepping the arrival of the Ultimate Avengers movie that will deal with multiple heroes in one film. As always in all Marvel films, Stan Lee makes an appearance as well, but I won't spoil when and where.

The story made sense, but to me seemed fairly predictable. Not to say that I think a superhero movie always needs to be complex and contrived to the point that I would never know what is coming next, but it is worth noting one wouldn't need to be psychic to see what is coming. The special effects were superb and worth seeing in the theater, and the music was spot on for what seems appropriate.

As the description would tell you, Thor is the son of Odin, the king of Asgard. Through arrogance, Thor is banished to earth to learn a thing or two about what it takes to be a wise king. Interestingly, there is actually a lot that goes on in this movie, making it feel like it has 3 or so stories in one. It wouldn't have made sense for any of the stories to be standalone, but it seemed like in order to flesh out what was needed to be known prior to the main story events, and in order to conclude properly, the main portion of the story felt a lot shorter than it might have been otherwise. Everything was edited together seamlessly and made sense though, so this isn't necessarily a bad thing, catering to those who don't know the history of the Thor character.

In summation, a fairly predictable but noteworthy Marvel movie worth seeing if not only for the special effects and fight scenes, then also for the humor and basic while at the same time archetypical story of a clashing family. Also, Anthony Hopkins is Odin. Need I say more?