Wreck-It Ralph - 10 stars out of 10

Wreck-It Ralph - 10 stars out of 10

"Wreck-It Ralph" is one of the most creative movies that I have ever seen.  It is totally different than any other movie out there, both in its concept and its atmosphere.  It has a great balance of laugh-out-loud moments, stunning visuals, and empathy for 8-bit arcade characters.  Its ability to highlight classic video game characters without clouding the plot is nothing short of impressive.  Even if you don't recognize a lot of the video game characters, you will still be overwhelmed by nostalgia.  The clever use of the video game characters is supplemented by endless jokes and gags using candy in Sugar Rush.  The story itself is amazing.  It never feels as if this is just an excuse to make a movie about video game characters.  Goofy plot ideas, like the characters becoming homeless if the game is unplugged, become realistic.  Honestly, this entire world becomes realistic!  The script is laid out beautifully as it nonchalantly introduces several important plot points which become vital to the resolution of the story.  There were a few jaw-dropping moments when those realizations hit me.  The characters leap off of the screen (no 3D pun intended) as they take on the human elements of loneliness, friendship, and the need for acceptance.  The voice actors give shape to these characters, particularly Sarah Silverman whose voice perfectly fits the lovable little brat personality of Vanellope.  John C. Reilly's ability to transition between gruffness and loneliness makes the Donkey Kong-esque Ralph into a very deep character who will tug at your heart.  The Felix character is completely defined by Jack McBrayer, the only person who can properly deliver the nerdy elements of his dialogue.  For a cartoon, Sergeant Calhoun is really hott and Jane Lynch was a great choice, particularly because she is so popular right now and this character is totally her.  Throw in the All-State guy and Alan Tudyk's Mad Hatter voice and you have the complete package.  Even with all of these great voice actors, the funniest character is probably Sour Bill with his incredibly dry delivery of every line.  The best part of "Wreck-It Ralph" is the way that it transports you into this video game world.  Whether it is Ralph's proportionally large hands, the way that the video game characters stereotypically move (jerky moves by the penthouse characters, Felix's jumping about, Vanellope's glitch), or the creative perspective of the characters being able to look out into the arcade from their game, this world begins to exist.  Even though you will find yourself laughing out loud as the bartender from Tapper delivers drinks and Vanellope makes "duty" jokes, the movie will probably leave a tear in your eye as Ralph discovers the power of friendship.  This may not be a Pixar film and it doesn't matter.  It is unique on the same level as "Toy Story" and I do not say that without deeply considering what I just said.  "Wreck-It Ralph" is a must-see for all ages that will leave you saying "Wow.  Just, wow."

Forever Plaid (2009) - 4 stars out of 10

Forever Plaid (2009) - 4 stars out of 10

"Forever Plaid" is an Off-Broadway review that brings a masterful approach to the tight harmonies of the 1950's.  This quartet of Plaids comes back to life for one final chance at musical stardom, singing incredible arrangements of classic hits.  The review is very loosely tied together by stories about each song, in the style of song introductions that you would expect to hear at a concert.  Even though the story of this group is pretty cheesy, it gives purpose to the show instead of it feeling like a random cover group of 50's rock bands.  This certainly isn't my favorite musical of all time and it doesn't really have any of my favorite songs, but the harmonies are to die for and it makes for an enjoyable musical experience.

Chico & Rita - 8 stars out of 10

Chico & Rita - 8 stars out of 10

This musical celebration of Cuban culture is a one-of-a-kind cartoon for adults, blending incredibly cool animation with great music and a heart-warming story.  At the center of this story is the outstanding soundtrack by Cuban pianist Bebo Valdes.  This music ties together the expansive story that takes place over 60 years from Cuba to New York City to Las Vegas.  The Spanish-spoken film is far from family friendly, including nudity and murder, but the entire thing develops like a beautiful painting that brings the Cuban music scene to life.  It was honored by being the first Spanish film nominated for a Best Animated Feature Film Oscar and has the quality about it that will keep me watching it over and over again.  "Chico & Rita" is a unique animated film that touches on some serious themes while being as visually stunning as it is aurally beautiful.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - 9 stars out of 10

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - 9 stars out of 10

"Okay, Krueger... we play in your court."  This movie is INCREDIBLE!!!  Since most of it takes place during their nightmares, ANYTHING can happen and Wes Craven exploits this option without going over the top.  Each death is unique , creative, and unpredictable.  The Tina sequence is absolutely amazing and one of the most horrific scenes of any movie that I've seen.  I love the music - using the interval of a minor 3rd (often descriptive of children and lullabies) creates an extremely eerie effect.  The special effects were simple yet extremely effective.  Special effects artists of the 80's often tried to go beyond their capabilities and as a result, those effects look extremely fake today; however, in "Nightmare on Elm Street" they used stuntmen and pyrotechnics instead of underdeveloped CGI, claymation, etc.  These effects are still realistic and frightening to today's viewers and that is why it is the most effective horror movie from the 80's.  Freddy is a scary character, enshrouded in mystery so that we don't really know anything about him... we're just petrified of him.  Robert Englund is very effective as Freddy and it's entertaining to watch the very young Johnny Depp.  This movie is far superior to any of its contemporaries ("Halloween", "Friday the 13th").  This extremely creative idea has never been duplicated in any other scary movie and it delivers pure terror throughout (unlike its competitors that are just a little intense but hold back).  I can only imagine how terrorizing this would have been to see in 1984 but I'm glad that I can experience it today.

The Night America Trembled (Studio One) - 8 stars out of 10

The Night America Trembled (Studio One) - 8 stars out of 10
 
One of my favorite historical events comes to life through “The Night America Trembled.”  This installment of “Studio One,” a live-broadcast tv show that was known for its high quality of acting, shows the power of the media by retelling Orson Welles’ famous “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast.  It follows several different fictitious characters through the events that actually took place on October 30, 1938 as panic spread throughout the nation.  From the young couple necking in their car to the isolated babysitter to the college frat boys, all ears are on the radio during this alleged alien attack.  The story constantly shifts from the panicked characters to the radio studio, giving us some interesting insight into how a 1930’s radio broadcast was created.  The format of the performance is reminiscent of the golden age radio mysteries, further transporting us into the atmosphere of this evening.  Edward Murrow narrates the film and the unknown Ed Asner and Warren Beatty have bit parts.  You just have to see this – it is an interesting retelling of these events and I hope that somebody will make this into full-length feature someday.

The Strangers - 7 stars out of 10

The Strangers - 7 stars out of 10

I respect "The Strangers" because I never experienced a moment of "Awe, they ruined the story" or "This is stupid."  Is it the greatest scary movie of all time?  No.  But it does provide 80 minutes of adrenaline that never lets up.  Even though I rarely enjoy Liv Tyler in any role, her terror and screams were perfect in this film.  The joy of this film is the unknown - who are behind the masks?  Why are the masks so childlike but terrifying?  Why did they choose this couple?  What do they want?  This is where most movies would ruin the story by having it be some long-lost step-uncle who buried Aztec gold in the basement.  Instead, we are left with a logical, believable explanation that satisfies our curiosity but keeps up with the theme of the film.  I do not recommend watching this film with the lights out when you are home alone.  You will see faces in every window and figures in every doorway, to the point that you are fighting yourself not to double check for intruders.  The film doesn't need blood to magnify it's terror.  It just has to put us all in uncomfortable situations that we have experienced, especially hiding in the closet from something scary and dreams where you're trying to run but can't.  I do have to say that Tyler looked pretty ridiculous crawling around and think that it could've been portrayed in a less goofy manner, but overall it was a solid scare with some decent twists.(one in particular that you will see coming a mile away but pray that it doesn't end with inevitability).  It isn't my favorite scary film, but I'd recommend it.

The Last House on the Left (2009) - 2 stars out of 10

The Last House on the Left (2009) - 2 stars out of 10

"The Last House on the Left" is brutal.  From the start, it is easy to see that this film focuses on realism and shock value instead of chills and jump scenes.  Nobody can be prepared for the teenage rape, nor can they be prepared for the disturbing images from the final half hour of the film (mainly the garbage disposal).  Any quality of acting or script is completely lost because all that's left when the movie ends are lingering thoughts of the violent imagery.  All of the content is questionable, from killing cops to rape to getting high to homicide to revenge killing.  I am interested to see Wes Craven's original version because it's hard to believe that he could have created anything this extreme in 1972.  The story contains an interesting message about how the most normal family can be transformed into an animalistic state when tragedy and anger invade their lives; unfortunately, it is not worth watching this sadistic display of cruelty to get this message.  If you insist on watching this, under no circumstances should you watch the director's cut.  I don't know what would've been omitted had I watched the theatrical version, but I regret my decision profusely.  This isn't that movie that is so scary that it is cool - it is a tribute to the disturbed people in our society that make this world a corrupt place.