Kung FU Panda

Title - Kung Fu Panda
Rating - PG
Actors - Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen
Directed By- Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
Recommendation? In theatres. . .WAIT for DVD. Unless, you MUST go to a kid's movie
Length - 1 hour 32 minutes

A kid's movie. You know the drill. This movie is good, nothing sensational. As we move farther into the millennium, the graphics and colors in these computer animated movies become more and more spectacular.

Jack Black is the main character. He puts his own 'Jack Black' spin on this chubby, lovable Panda. The movie does have some funny moments, and over all the movie is entertaining.

But. . . . when did "going to a movie" begin to compare to going to a concert? Holy hell! I took myself, my 10 year old, and my 4 year old to a MATINEE ( before 6 p.m.). We of course needed popcorn, if you get popcorn you gotta get drinks ( we shared a large ), and some candy. The total cost of this outing was well over $50.00 !!!!

I definitely don't like to think of myself as some kind of 'cheap ass', but. . . .wow!!! I am at a real crossroads as to how I want to design my movie experiences. I LOVE MOVIES and here are my options:

A) See the 'new releases' in new theatres. Deal with the ever continuing raising of admission prices, increasing drink & popcorn prices, and potentially ( 50/50 chance ) deal with some annoying person in the crowd

B) Go see the movie in a 'dollar theatre'. When I was a kid, you'd could go to a discount movie theatre and see movies that are about to leave the box office for $1.00. Now, the discount is $3.00 each. Still a bargain comparatively. But, still may have to deal with some idiot in the crowd. Maybe even more so?

C) Wait until DVD. I can rent the dvd for $5.00. I can even buy the DVD for $15.99 at Wal Mart the day it is released. Blockbuster even runs their "4 for $20.00" specials if I'm willing to wait.

I think I'm seriously leaning towards option C. I can't really think of a compelling argument to view all the movies in new theatres? I love going to the movies, I love movies, but as I went through our categorized bills for 2007, we spent almost $700.00 last year at movie theatres. I could more than likely cut that in half sticking to DVDs only, not deal with anyone super irritating(other than the potential child of mine), sit on my couch, and actually put the big screen HD to use.

I think when you are about to make a decision like this it needs to be consistently honored. I guess there would be the every once in awhile special occasion, but why? Why not just ALWAYS and ONLY see movies on DVD? Why not REFUSE to go to a theatre? I took myself and 2 kids to a movie. What if Michelle and my other 2 came along as well? Are we now talking about $100.00 just to see something mildly entertaining as 'Kung Fu Panda'? WTH?

If you have an opinion or thoughts, let me know :)

I do recommend this movie, IF you have kids. I can't see why anyone would watch this unless you were with kids? But, to each their own. I give this movie 3.75 stars out of 5.

Pathfinder

Title - Pathfinder
Rating - R
Actors - Karl Urban, Moon Bloodgood,Russell Means,Clancey Brown,Jay Tavare
Directed By- Marcus Nispel
Recommendation? On DVD now. . .don't bother
Length - 1 hour 47 minutes

This movie is based on a legend that prior to Columbus landing at Plymouth Rock, the Vikings from Scandanavia came to the 'new world' hundreds of years prior.

On one of the Vikings trips they left a boy behind, and he was raised by Native Americans. The boy grows to be a man, and the Vikings return.

This movie is crazy violent! This movie is the battle scenes of BraveHeart, Saving Private Ryan, and 300. There are scenes with heads getting cut off, blood splattering, and lots of death. So, not one for the kids.

I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars. Pretty predictable, has some exciting parts, I was happy to rent it instead of paying $9 at the theatre.

Year of the Dog

Title - Year of the Dog
Rating - PG 13
Actors - Molly Shannon, Laura Dern, Regina King, Thomas McCarthy, John C. Reilly, Peter Sarsgaard
Directed By- Mike White
Recommendation? On DVD now. RENT IT
Length - 1 hour 37 minutes
This is a quirky, funny movie. Story about a woman who loves her little dog. Some people have spouses, careers, children, etc, while others have their dogs.

I can't talk too much about this movie without giving away some of the plot. But, I will tell you that John C. Reilly, Peter Sarsgaard, Molly Shannon, and Laura Dern deliver performances you will not soon forget. They all create such loveable characters you will be discussing this movie with the person you watch with for days to come. This movie reminds me of great character movies like Napolean Dynamite, Best in Show, and Wes Anderson flicks.

Rent this movie when you are in the mood for something goofy. You will not be disapointed.
I give this movie 4.5 stars out of 5.

The Visitor

Title - The Visitor
Rating - PG 13
Actors - Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Jekesai Gurira,
Directed By- Thomas McCarthy
Recommendation? Still in theatres. . . you could easily wait for DVD
Length - 1 hour 43 minutes

This movie is getting the independent film critics attention. The story is about a 60'ish boring, old, sad, college professor who lives in CT and owns an apartment in NYC. One day he shows up to his New York City apartment and is surprised by 2 illegal immigrants living in his furnished home. The immigrants had been scammed and led to believe they had legally rented the property. Rather than throw the young immigrant couple into the street, the professor allows them to stay for a short time. They become friends, and the unlikely friends learn that we are all human beings and can easily relate to one another if we only try.

I give this movie 4.5 stars out of 5. I did like the movie. Heartfelt. A little sad. A touching movie about people and their lives. A touch of melancholy with a dash of love.

Title -Baby Mama
Rating - PG 13
Actors - Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Dax Shepard, Greg Kinnear,Steve Martin, Sigourney Weaver

Directed By- Michael McCullers
Recommendation? Good to see in theatre. . . but, you could wait until it's on DVD,too
Length - 1 Hour 39 Minutes

"Baby Mama" features arguably the 2 funniest women in comedy right now, Tina Fey & Amy Poehler.

The movie is about an aging young executive who desperately wants to have a baby. She is unable to conceive, and doesn't want to take the time involved to adopt. She visits a surrogate clinic and is matched with funny, white trashy, Amy Poehler.

The incubator is soon living with the young executive and the wackiness begins. A love storyline also exists between Tina Fey's & Greg Kinnear's characters.

Overall, the movie is fairly short and sweet. Has some funny parts, and is easy to watch no matter how macho or cool you think you are.

Good movie for a date with the wife, or wait until DVD and everyone catch watch.

I give this movie 3.75 stars out of 5