Crazy Heart

Technically, this movie came out in 2009 as a limited release, but it got a wide release expansion in 2010, so I wasn't sure if I had to see it or not. I wanted to see it, however, so I did, and boy am I glad that I did!

I don't know what else to say about this movie. It was incredible! The acting was perfect and the story was tremendous. It is a perfect example of a great movie. Even if you do not like country music, it is still fantastic. Jeff Bridges plays Bad Blake, an old washed up country music singer. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays his love interest, Jean. Even the supporting actors were great! Colin Farrell and Robert Duvall were excellent supporting players as well (Duvall is always great).

I feel like even if the story line was bland and uninteresting, this movie would still be greatly enjoyable to watch--simply because of the fact that the chemistry and between the characters is seamless and so is the acting. Jeff Bridges, in this film, is the ultimate leading role and gives one of the top 5 best acting jobs that I've ever seen (not sure where he lands in the top 5).

All I can say is see this movie and put aside the fact that you don't like country music (even though I do), and enjoy it for what it's worth. I think that it's a shame that this was not nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars this year, because it is one of the best movies I have seen in such a long time. With most movies, I can see other critic's points of views if they do not like a movie (even if I may not agree), but with this film, I would not be able to see anybody else's opinion about.

Overall Grade: A (unavoidable)


-Ethan Brehm

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

I really don't care if the dialogue is corny at times, because this movie is awesome! I had a lot of fun watching this film. Even if some of the jokes are more directed towards the younger crowd, you gotta love these types of adventure films. Logan Lerman, who played Percy Jackson, did an excellent job and shows evidence of a promising future in the business. Also, Brandon T. Jackson, who plays Jackson's protector, Grover, adds the type of sarcastic and realistic-mindset type of humor that you want in these types of films--sort of the type that Will Smith used to present back in the days of Men In Black and Independence Day.

The film portrayed great visual effects along with the cool story line. And though it was a kid's film, it didn't hold back anywhere--much like the Harry Potter films.

I could not find anything wrong with this film. Maybe just the relationship between Percy and his "crush," Annabeth, played by Alexandra Daddario. It seems to be love at first sight with him, but then it wasn't really pursued as she goes along with he and Grover on their journey to return Zeus' lightning bolt, and there was little evidence throughout the adventure that he even thought of her like that. But then, at the end, they almost share a kiss, which may cause slight confusion as to why he only expressed affection towards her at one small part during their trip. Maybe it was just because he was so focused on their goal of returning the bolt.

The film is full of surprises that will keep you enthralled. I hope that it does well at the box office, so that they continue to adapt the rest of the books into movies as well. See this movie and you will be pleasantly satisfied.

Overall Grade: A


-Ethan Brehm

The Wolfman

I was slightly disappointed after seeing this film. Though I do not like scary movies all that much, I was actually really excited to see how scary and nightmare-ish the Wolfman would look. Now, the appearance of the Wolfman wasn't really made known in any previews or trailers or anything like that--but bits of the transformation into the creature were made known. And judging by the looks of this horrifying transformation, one would think that the final product would be one of equal terrorism. But sadly, the end result is just as comic as the original back in 1941 (haven't seen the whole film). The action sequences were also just as fake-looking. But after almost 60 years, you would think that the Wolfman would be gross and unimaginable looking--which is the point of interest when seeing a horror film remake with modern technology--but this movie failed to provide such things.

I do have to say, though, that the acting in this film couldn't be better--which is a shame because it had much potential. Benicio del Toro, who plays Lawrence Talbot aka the Wolfman, does a tremendous job, and Anthony Hopkins, who plays Lawrence's father, contributes his creepiness in an excellent way.

The film did do its job in providing suspense, horror, and creepiness, but the parts that should have been creepy the most, were not. For instance, looking at the Wolfman dead on was way less scary than the transformation, or even some of the scenes in the forest. Maybe the new Wolfman was thought to be too creepy that people wouldn't even look at the screen during vital points in the film. Also, the film was terribly predictable (maybe another aspect of it being a remake).

Either way, I enjoyed the film, and would probably see the sequel, but it is not one of the best films I have seen--not even one of the best horror films.

Overall Grade: C


-Ethan Brehm

Valentine's Day

The sad part about this movie is that it could have been so good! There were maybe 8 or 9 different story lines running in this movie that were all connected in some way (but not vital for each other to exist). But honestly, I think it could have done without 3 or 4 of them. Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner's story could have been left out completely, as the characters had no significance in the connection link of the other stories. Emma Roberts' storyline could have stayed, but it was not vital. Jaime Foxx and Jessica Biel's storyline could have been dismissed, along with the storyline between the old couple (played by Hector Elizondo and Shirley MacLaine) even though their characters were necessary. It's just that their story is a bit unrealistic and so is the end result (you'll know what I mean if you see the movie). Topher Grace and Anne Hathaway's story was not necessary either, though the point made from their story had good intentions, but again, the application of the message went along with another unrealistic scenario and end result.

The messages of the film had good intentions, such as, "if you love someone, then you should accept them for their mistakes as well as their good qualities." However, Topher Grace knew his "girlfriend" for barely two weeks, and he is already applying this philosophy to a mistake that is not only weird, but many people could not look past. He is being shown as the bad guy for getting upset at Hathaway, when in reality, she is the one that is using her mistake as an excuse (read again after seeing movie and you will understand). This lesson is also taught through the mistake that Maclaine's character makes, and I also find this unrealistically easy for her husband to accept.

As for the good parts, Ashton Kutcher's character, Reed, proposed to his girlfriend on Valentine's Day. Also, Jennifer Garner's character, Julia, is an elementary school teacher and I thought that the story with her and her "boyfriend" was a good tie-in. George Lopez also contributed with his message that falling in love is easy when you marry your best friend (another one I liked). And then, of course, the story with the little boy, Edison, played by Bryce Robinson, was extremely adorable. He is one of Julia's students and the old couple's grandchild, who is love struck and his story is about how he deals with his troubles with much confidence, while everyone else seems to be over-thinking their predicaments.

The tie-ins were cool, but some, as mentioned above were unnecessary. One that I haven't mentioned was Bradley Cooper and Julia Roberts' story/stories, which I also thought were fairly important to leave in.

I have known about this film for awhile, and was actually looking forward to seeing it. My dad works for an import/export company, and one of their products is Basmati rice. So, last summer, he comes home from work and says that he got an email from some guy asking if they could use one of his company's rice bags in one of the scenes for a movie called "Valentine's Day." So when this film was coming out, I was really looking forward to it and hoping that I liked it just because of my connection with the film, and the fact that the guy sent a piece of the official script where the bag would be featured. Unfortunately, I did not like the film enough to buy it on DVD or anything, but I am glad that I saw it because the sub-stories that I did like, I REALLY liked. But once again--that was only about half of the movie.

Among the film were a few surprises thrown in to satisfy your buds. A couple of good ones, I might add.

The film had a great portrayal of love as far as marrying your best friend, but not as far as accepting mistakes so easily of someone you barely even know. And though there were several subplots that I did not think were necessary, there were only two that I felt singlehandedly made me dislike the film as a whole--and those were the Grace/Hathaway story and the Elizondo/MacLaine story.

Overall, however, I did not leave the film as inspired as I had hoped after watching a movie about love. Parts made me smile and giggle, but inspired? Not as much as I felt that I should have been.

Overall Grade: C


-Ethan Brehm

From Paris With Love

Once again, going into a movie not really sure what it's about, I was worried. But to be honest, it didn't matter all that much. This is a high-action movie that pretty much steers you in the right plot direction from the get-go. As entertaining as this film was, I wouldn't consider it one of the best movies that I've seen this year. In fact, it's gonna be one of those films that kinda just fades into the generic midst of many other films that I will see. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't horrible by any means. It's just slightly above average. The action sequences were cool, and for a thriller, it actually made me laugh out loud on more than several occasions.

John Travolta really carries this film, with there not really being any other solid acting performances. Actually, Travolta didn't just carry the film--he made me excited to see the next scene with him in it. In other words, he kinda acted like a Heath-Ledger-as-The-Joker type of character (maybe not to that extent though).

The movie was extremely graphic at some parts--one that stands out more than others--so once again, make sure you can handle it.

This film is about James Reese, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who is an American CIA Officer working in France and wanting to move his way up in rank. He finally gets his chance when they partner him up with special agent, Charlie Wax, played by Travolta. Together, they are trying to stop a large-scale terrorist attack. Wax is a guy who likes grabbing the bull by the horns--which scares the fairly cautious and newly-engaged Reese, who can't stop thinking about just getting back to his fiancee.

It will make you laugh and smile throughout, and it will always keep you wanting to know what will happen next. The movie is filled with surprise after surprise and will keep you entertained--even if you know that you may forget about the whole thing in a couple of days.

Overall Grade: B-


-Ethan Brehm

Edge of Darkness

I usually end up not giving good grades to films that, I feel, do not fill out a lot of information and leave me confused and bewildered. But despite the few moments where that happened in this film, it was an enjoyable movie. Just make sure that you see the film with someone else that you can discuss it with and help fill in the pieces (I took my girlfriend).

It's great seeing Mel Gibson back in the business after a brief hiatus. And let me tell you, he shows no signs of decay, as he really carried this film well.

The movie, based off of a BBC series of the same name, is about a father avenging his daughter's death. And just before you think that you've seen this one before, let me tell you that there are many twists and turns that will not allow you to get distracted that much--but that is just the nature of the movie, I guess. Some key points in the film, however, were not really explained as well as I thought they could be--even after I read the plot synopsis online later that day. I did like, though, how the music (or lack of) didn't give away any of the suspenseful scenarios.

On another note, the movie is pretty bloody and gory at several parts that you do not see coming, so it might not be for some people. It starts making you nervous that cars are going to blow up any second or someone's gonna fly through the windows or something. So beware: this movie may make you a wreck!

Overall, the movie was very much entertaining, and I would like to see it again just to fill in the puzzle for me--much like Sixth Sense.

Overall Grade: B


-Ethan Brehm

Extraordinary Measures

I waited way too long to see this movie. It was the first close-call I've had so far this year! By the time I was able to see it, I had to drive a half hour away to find a theater that it was playing in (I am in Los Angeles county, mind you). But after all the struggle I finally saw it and it was definitely worth the drive! It is not often that you see a movie that makes you cry, but even less often that you see a movie that makes you cry at several parts. The tears were not just tears of sadness, but tears of triumph and joy. This was a truly amazing and inspirational movie--despite what all the REAL critics say about it! And if you don't already feel like it, the film really makes you want to go out into the world and make a change.

I am 20-years-old, but the only jobs I have had so far have been working with kids. I was a basketball referee for kids from grades 3 to 8, and during the summers I work as a day camp counselor with children. I absolutely adore kids and this movie really hit a soft spot for me.

Harrison Ford plays Dr. Stonehill, a short tempered doctor who has no time for other people's monkey games, and has a long-running theory on how to cure Pompe--a muscle deteriorating disease. John Crowly, played by Brendan Fraser, is a father of two kids that have the disease. He is seeking help from every source he knows, and the one source that he trusts best--Dr. Stonehill--is the hardest to warm up to. To make matters worse, Stonehill's funding is low to non-existent, and scientists are having a hard time believing in his theory.

Along with the terrific story, the acting is excellent within itself. Keri Russell also does a great job playing Fraser's wife. Together they really do go to extraordinary measures for their children, and it truly shows, to the fullest, how far parents would go for their kids.

It is a really beautiful story, and also brings awareness to a disease that not many people even know exists. Watch it and make sure the guys down at the bar don't go with you.

Overall Grade: A


-Ethan Brehm

Dear John

I have always said that Channing Tatum is one of my least favorite actors. Not just because he plays the same character in every film, but because he plays the same character poorly. However, I HAVE seen improvement from his previous films to this one. This story about love and loss is typical for a Nicholas Sparks film, but this one was more hopeful and less focused on unrealistic romantic things that will never happen in real life. This movie, unlike the past Sparks films that I've seen, stood out to me and really made me reflect. Maybe it was because of its similarity to the love story in Castaway. Personally being in a happy and doubtless relationship for 3 years, this film really makes me appreciate my girlfriend and what we have even more. There is a lot of self-pondering that will take place during and after watching this movie, and perhaps it will inspire you as it did me. Amanda Seyfried plays a really good role as a purist, Savannah, that Tatum's character, John, who is the opposite, falls in love with. Richard Jenkins does an immaculate job playing John's father who is autistic. The way John's relationship with his dad is portrayed is quite amazing, and desirable within itself.

This is not your typical, predictable love story, or even non-love story. It is a story about relationships and love in general. If you see the movie, you will know what I mean by that. It really is a good film.

Overall Grade: A-


-Ethan Brehm

When In Rome

I'm not sure what everyone hates about this movie. Yes, it is somewhat predictable, and yes, some of the jokes are too silly to be believable--but it's got remnants of old slapstick. Some of the bits were actually laugh-out-loud funny. Actually, more than some.

Kristen Bell plays Beth, who is a workaholic that is bitter against love. So, while in Rome for her sister's wedding, she steals five wished-on coins out of the fountain of love. The men who belong to each coin become infatuated with Beth and try to get her to love them. But Beth, who is in love with Nick, played by Josh Duhamel, thinks that he is in love with her only because she took his coin.

I enjoyed this movie overall, but I don't know if I would buy it when it comes out on DVD. But at least I don't know that I wouldn't buy it! Let's put it this way--if it came on TV or if a friend was watching it on DVD, I would definitely watch it again. Kristen Bell is very believable and so is Josh Duhamel. I enjoyed how the film portrays love and what love should call you to do--such as putting the person you love's needs before yours. Another highlight is Saturday Night Live cast member, Bobby Moynihan, whom I am glad got to be in this. He was hilarious and I wish that he could have been in more scenes.

There is a twist towards the end of the movie, which may be guessed ahead of time by some avid movie-goers, was pretty cool--even if you catch on early enough.

It was a fun movie, so watch it for what it's worth! And like I say, don't expect the world from it!

Overall Grade: B


-Ethan Brehm

Tooth Fairy

This movie was awesome! Especially for a kid's movie! Not that I don't like kids' movies, but I know that many other people who would usually be bored or eye-rolling during one, would actually really like this flick. The acting is good, and the lines aren't corny for the most part.

In this The Santa Clause type of movie where Derek, played by Dwayne Johnson, is a bitter and old hockey has-been. He soon gets put into check by head fairy, played by Julie Andrews, who punishes him for telling a girl that there is no such thing as a tooth fairy.

There were a few questions that I had that were not answered after watching the movie. Other careful observers will probably have similar ones as well. However, doesn't bother me enough to ruin the movie for me. Also, in the films I've seen in the past, Dwayne Johnson usually does a pretty good job, but this does not compare to those. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't horrible, but I've just seen better from him.

This movie, about believing something even when society is against it, provides a great message and executes it well. Yeah, it's slightly predictable, but there are still many smile moments. I don't know what else to say except for, if you like happy movies and want to enjoy yourself, then watch this movie because you'll enjoy it!

Overall Grade: A-


-Ethan Brehm