Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - 2 stars out of 10

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - 2 stars out of 10

"Prince of Persia" was less than adequate and definitely a step down for Disney.  They have found incredible success in the Action/Adventure genre with the Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure series', but this is like a cheaper version of these films.  While the action sequences are enjoyable, the story did not live up to the Disney label.  An occasional twist is a great thing, but you can't change the story every 4 minutes.  It just showed a lack of vision with a sense of "How can we further advance the plot?"  I could tell that the film was based on a video game because it consistently moves the plot in a new direction, as if its target audience is an 11-year-old boy with ADHD.  The action sequences were really good but those sequences were not a suitable substitute for a logical storyline.  Outside of the story, the acting should have been better with Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina in its cast.   I typically dislike Jake Gyllenhaal in any role, but this fantasy role was the worst.  I know that a lot of people liked it but this film disappointed me even more than its previews.

She's Out of My League - 9 stars out of 10

She's Out of My League - 9 stars out of 10

I love this movie, and not just because it takes place in Pittsburgh and they went to a Penguin game... it's so nice to see an average guy get a great girl in the end (maybe this is me feeling a sense of hope?)  "She's Out of My League" is dirty, but not like "The Hangover" where they overused smut for shock value.  Instead, the writers use the dirtiness to recreate real-world conversations.  The movie is filled with memorable quirkiness, from the disgruntled family to the logic between the 4 friends and their point system.  P.S. -2 points for playing Chelsea Dagger at the Penguin game since it's the Blackhawks goal/win song BUT +8 points for the mean girl getting screwed over in the end.

Let the Right One In - 7 stars out of 10

Let the Right One In - 7 stars out of 10

"Let the Right One In" is a Swedish film about the power of friendship and love.  I hesitate to call this a vampire film because it will automatically draw comparisons to "Twilight" and this is on a completely different level.  The film focuses on a complex relationship and survival instead of the typical "I want to suck your blood" Dracula storyline.  Although I really enjoyed this film, I believe that the American remake, "Let Me In," is far superior.  It probably has to do with the fact that  I saw the English version first and therefore experienced the surprises of the story through that film, though I also feel that the remake worked very hard to improve each aspect of the story, particularly the girl's relationship with her "father" and subtle improvements to many of the scenes.  Without question, Chloe Grace Moretz (from the remake) was a much more convincing vampire than Lina Leandersson as she has a younger, more innocent quality compared to the more mature voice of Leandersson.  The film score isn't as good as Michael Giacchino's in the remake and most of all, I loved that the American version brought vampires into a realistic context, making it seem as if any person with whom you interact could be a vampire; however, since this film is set in a foreign place with a different culture, it lost a bit of that effect.  I typically prefer an original version to a remake, even if I have to watch it with subtitles, but I would not have a problem with someone foregoing this version in lieu of its more impressive American counterpart.

To read my review on the American remake, "Let Me In," click below:
http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2011/03/let-me-in-9-stars-out-of-10.html

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery - 8 stars out of 10

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery - 8 stars out of 10

Often immitated, rarely matched, "Austin Powers" changed the face of comedy films for an entire generation.  It was the biggest film done in the SNL style since "Wayne's World" and its title character somehow became more of an American Icon than Wayne and Garth.  Its plethora of memorable characters will keep you laughing from start to finish.  Austin Powers and Dr. Evil are absolute opposite personalities but Mike Myers somehow plays each one to perfection.  Although Myers is the highlight (x2) in this film, he gets a lot of support from Robert Wagner as Number Two, Elizabeth Hurley as Austin's gorgeous counterpart, Minda Sterling as Frau Farbissina, and Will Ferrell's cameo as Mustafa.  Between the potty humor, non-stop visual gags, extensive scenes of hiding private parts behind unexpected objects, and a million memorable quotes ("Who does Number Two work for?" "They're always after me Lucky Charms," "You shot me!  You shot me right in the arm!"), the amusement never slows down.  I don't know that Mike Myers could have ever expected this film to become so huge but it is truly something that has defined his career and (unfortunately) made every other role of his seem inadequate.

Supersize Me - 8 stars out of 10

Supersize Me - 8 stars out of 10

Everybody should see this movie at least once in their life.  Aside from presenting Morgan Spurlock's fascinating journey, it is an informative look into nutrition, living an active lifestyle, and healthy eating.  Although the victim restaurant in this film is McDonald's, it could be any fast food place (with the exception of Subway).  This film shows that fast food is never going to be a healthy option but can be acceptible in moderation.  "Supersize Me" will make anybody think twice about what you order at a fast food restaurant, whether you eat out as a treat once in a while or visit the drive through every night in lieu of cooking.

Gangs of New York - 9 stars out of 10

Gangs of New York - 9 stars out of 10

"Gangs of New York" is one of the most impressive period pieces out there, immediately transporting you to 19th century New York City and engulfing you into the world ruled by Bill the Butcher.  The cast list is packed with renowned actors, from Liam Neeson's brief role at the beginning to DiCaprio, Diaz (who I did not want to strangle and actually enjoyed), Reilly, and Broadbent.  The feature actor of the film is Daniel Day-Lewis who, inspite of his mustache, earned his Oscar nod with emotional monologues and intense conflict.  Although the film is only loosely based on true events, the sets and costumes truly preserve 1860's New York.  The film is long but Scorsese's Oscar-nominated directing makes it easy to stay "into it" for the duration of the film.  This is a film that you don't want to miss.

The Life of David Gale - 10 stars out of 10

The Life of David Gale - 10 stars out of 10

The Life of David Gale is an incredible drama told through the eyes of a victim making his final stand before he meets his execution.  Spot-on performances by Spacey, Winslet, and Linney bring the story to life in the film's moral stance against capital punishment.  Spacey and Winslet are two of the finest actors in Hollywood and I would love to see them team up again.  Although you may see the twist coming, it will not make the jaw-dropping moment any less shocking and satisfying.