The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) - 2 stars out of 10

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) - 2 stars out of 10

Hitchcock's original 1934 version of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" never stood much of a chance for me, since his 1956 remake has always been one of my favorite films.  But even approaching it with that mindset, I was incredibly let down by this film.  Maybe it is because this film is so old, but there were times when it was difficult to distinguish what was going on (and difficult to care about what was going on).  This film lacks the strong, sentimental mother/child relationship that the remake does, and I found myself not caring about the fate of these characters.  I understand that filmmakers were still experimenting with talkies throughout the 30's, but this film seems like they weren't quite sure how to properly approach a talking picture and lacks the flow that gives a film a natural feel.  Again, I constantly compare this film to its superior remake but that is because it is so inferior.  The main draw for this film is catching Peter Lorre in one of his first American films but if you want to see him at his finest, watch "Casablanca" or "The Maltese Falcon."  I have never appreciated the performances of Doris Day and Jimmy Stewart until I saw this film.  Just skip past this mistake and take in the story the way that it was meant to be seen - in its stunning 1956 remake.

Earthquake - 8 stars out of 10

Earthquake - 8 stars out of 10

When an enormous earthquake strikes LA, entertainment makes its entrance.  What this movies lacks in plot is definitely made up for with groundbreaking special effects.  Who needs CGI?  "Earthquake" sports an incredibly realistic disaster sequence using scale models, pyrotechnics, and stuntmen.  The first 45 minutes does nothing more than introduce a few characters and kill time before the main event begins, but it is worth the wait for 15 incredible minutes of movie magic.  The earthquake is covered from every angle, whether it's the concerned mother, the selfish businessman, the drunk at the bar, or policemen trapped in the station.  Victoria Principal's afro is INCREDIBLE and her big innocent eyes make her a great victim - her disaster sequence is fairly awkward but the aforementioned attributes still make it decent.  Perhaps the most realistic part of this movie is that nobody sports superhuman strength.  Instead of a hero saving everybody in the city, it comes down to the common man to help out the people around him.  The characters begin in a weakened state as a result of the earthquake and then every physically demanding rescue takes its toll on them.  I know that a lot of people put this movie down but I thoroughly enjoyed it, though next time I would just fast-forward to the first earthquake sequence.

The Rocker - 6 stars out of 10

The Rocker - 6 stars out of 10

After seeing the previews, I expected this to be a kids' movie.  In fact, I'd been avoiding it on Netflix but finally decided to give it a shot because of Rainn Wilson.  Needless to say, I was confused when I saw the PG-13 rating... and then saw all of the big names in the opening credits.  "The Rocker" is a good comedy with really good music but definitely does not live up to movies like "That Thing You Do" and "Once."  I loved all of the cameos - it seems like the entire NBC primetime cast showed up!  There were a lot of nice "becoming a band" moments, like "The Drive Test" - I thought that was a pretty cool scene.  I was really thankful when Christina Applegate became a main character in this movie and feel that she brought some much needed chemistry that wasn't there between Wilson and the kids.  In the end, this movie had that perfect ending that I was hoping for.  I don't care that it was semi-predictable - it ended exactly the right way.  I expected more "Dwight humor" and was let down that Wilson just drank lots of beer and fell on his face instead of being nerdy and awkward like in The Office.  Though it wasn't the best comedy that I've seen, it was good for a few laughs and I'd see it again.

Jacka**: Number Two - 3 stars out of 10

Jacka**: Number Two - 3 stars out of 10

Johnny Knoxville is absurd.  He is back in action with his crew, acting like idiots and causing destruction (mostly to themselves).  What can you really say about a film that does not have any plot?  It is a tough call because I enjoy parts of it (riding a seesaw with bulls, anything involving skateboards, bikes, miniature bikes, rockets), but the rest was repulsive (things involving private parts or bodily fluids from a human or horse).  I would definitely prefer to watch the tv show, not necessarily because the content is any better, but because they edit out the swearing and nudity, and you can only see an enormously fat man's butt so many times before feeling nauseous.  If you are into pranks and people acting foolishly, this really is a great movie for you.  Just prepare your stomach for lots of blood (like the anaconda bites) and odd situations (sledding down a home staircase covered in snow).  But most importantly, prepare to laugh at several things but cringe at even more.

Apollo 18 - 3 stars out of 10

Apollo 18 - 3 stars out of 10

"Apollo 18" was one of my most anticipated films of 2011 and consequently, one of my biggest letdowns of 2011.  This plot had so much potential!  These characters are trapped in the most isolated atmosphere imaginable with strange things happening outside of their windows.  "Paranormal Activity in Space" - what could be better?  The previews looked incredible, not to mention that the found-film genre is one of my favorites.  But it somehow manages to drag on without much action.  The creepy and expected imagery is spot-on, but the rest is spot-off.  The presentation of these space transmissions that continually cut in and out makes the film unique.  It provides the perfect opportunity for strange things to appear in the background when the camera momentarily cuts out, but they only utilized it once or twice.  Also, after about 15 minutes the "coolness" factor disappears and it makes this 80-minute film seem like several hours.  The actors aren't even that good.  I love this story and concept, but its execution is weak and does not do justice to this genre.  If you want to experience a great found-footage film, watch "Quarantine" or "Cloverfield."  If you do not, watch "Apollo 18."

Footloose (1984) - 5 stars out of 10

Footloose (1984) - 5 stars out of 10

"Footloose" is good, but it isn't great.  I think that this story reached its maximum potential when it was turned into a Broadway musical in 1999.  While the dancing in this film is really good, there simply is not enough of it.  I realize that with this story, there isn't a lot of opportunity for these characters to dance which is why the musical version (with its allowance of the cast to spontaneously burst into song) captures the love of dance better than the movie version.  That being said, Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer are excellent in the lead roles.  The film certainly does not lack grit, particularly with Singer getting beat up.  For me, the highlight of "Footloose" is John Lithgow as Reverand Moore, interpreting the plight of a man who is torn between saving his relationship with his daughter and acting in the best interest of his community as their spiritual leader.  His performance has more emotion than the rest of the cast combined.  Dianne Wiest was well-cast as Vi Moore but was underused.  Her character plays a bigger part in the musical version (can you tell which one I like better?).  Despite the melodrama, it is an interesting story and the film is worth watching to experience it.  I can't wait for a remake of "Footloose" so that they can use the musical version and perfect this story for the screen.  Oh wait...