Muppets Most Wanted - 4 stars out of 10

Muppets Most Wanted - 4 stars out of 10

After an amazing return to the big screen with “The Muppets” in 2011, the latest installment is a letdown.  Something about Kermit the Frog in the Hannibal Lecter mask just isn't appealing.  The bar was set really high with the last film by recreating scenes from the old days, but I guess that you can’t do that every time.  The plot was pretty original but it was a little dark for Jim Henson's characters.  The songs weren't as fun or catchy, and some of the jokes missed their mark.  That being said, this film had its bright moments.  Tina Fay was an awesome choice to compliment the zany muppets and she may have been the best part of the film.  The whole Gulag 38B variety show aspect of the film was clever and the fact that Constantine’s voice is nothing like Kermit is funny from start to finish.  Not to mention the mole gags and interactions between Ty Burrell and Sam Eagle.  One of my disappointments was the cameos, which seemed way too forced and unimaginative.  Except for Usher.  That may be the funniest cameo that I have ever seen.  Oh yeah, and Josh Groban was equally hilarious but I won’t spoil it.  It is just genius when you recognized who the voice belonged to.  Okay, so maybe some of the cameos were imaginative.  But this film just didn't have the pizzazz of the last one.  I didn't walk away singing the songs or telling others that they should see it.  In spite of my rating, I still think that this is an important film that we should all support.  The next generation is blessed to have an opportunity to experience the muppets the way that we have.  It may not be the best film in the series, but its release, positive critical reception, and profit should result in another muppet feature that will hopefully eclipse this one.

[Pictured: Amazing how nobody recognized Kermit once he has that mole...]

The Vow (2012) - 5 stars out of 10

The Vow (2012) - 5 stars out of 10

“The Vow” is exactly what you would expect from a chick flick released on Valentine’s Day.  It is cute, an appropriate amount of cheesiness, and full of romantic moments that will make your wife say “Why can’t you say nice things like that to me?”  While it isn't my favorite chick flick, it certainly gets bonus points for being based on a true story, as unbelievable as it may seem.  Rachel McAdams is the perfect choice to play Paige, both for her track record of starring in chick flicks and the quality of acting that she brings to the screen.  Channing Tatum does about the best job that he can, but he was probably picked more for his looks (which ironically caused girls to guilt their boyfriends into seeing this on Valentine’s Day) than for his dramatic acting.  Even though both of these actors are in their thirties, they almost seemed to useful to be taken seriously as a married couple.  Their chemistry is nice but I think that the make-up and costume artists portrayed them a bit too young.  The story itself is interesting but often fills us with disdain for the characters instead of making us love them.  “The Vow” is a great date-night film but falls short of the “Oscar-Worthy Love Story” category.

[Pictured: McAdams and Tatum have great on-screen chemistry]