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]

Hopscotch - 7 stars out of 10

Hopscotch - 7 stars out of 10

“Hopscotch” was unexpectedly good.  Walter Matthau’s dry humor is the perfect fit for this off-beat comedy.  I had trouble envisioning this international game of cat-and-mouse as a comedy but the constant situational irony and Matthau’s wit creates humorous moments from start to finish.  A good film requires a good villain, and Ned Beatty fits the bill.  It is easy to dislike Beatty with his constant flow of profane dialogue and unnecessarily rude treatment of Matthau at the beginning of the film, all leading to gleeful enjoyment of every scene inside of the Georgia home.  While the film has a lot of great moments, the plot is rather farfetched and some of the acting falls short of the high standard set by Matthau and Beatty.  I definitely prefer heist films, but this espionage comedy is unlike any story that I’ve seen and I would definitely give it a second watch.

[Pictured: Walter Matthau being himself]

Bears (Disneynature) (2014) - 7 stars out of 10

Bears (Disneynature) (2014) - 7 stars out of 10

“Bears” is an interesting story that reveals the hardships faced by bear cubs in their first year.  It is amazing that this film is not scripted as the mother Sky faces off against aggressive male bears and an intimidating grey wolf.  Set against a beautiful and treacherous Alaskan landscape, these bears must battle to survive the weather and the wild.  Even if the story doesn't do much for you, the cubs are adorable.  This film is superior to scripted films like “Milo and Otis” because, rather than film the animals and make up a story around the footage, “Bears” shows a real journey.  John C. Reilly’s narration is entertaining and will make this a great film for kids, but it can be a bit over the top for adults.  Except for the part where the clam gets stuck on Scout’s claw.  That was hilarious.  The story even has a cute moral at the end.  “Bears” isn't my favorite documentary, but it is a cute story that I will look forward to watching with my children someday.

 [Pictured: Sky with Scout and Amber]

Double Jeopardy (1999) - 9 stars out of 10

Double Jeopardy (1999) - 9 stars out of 10

“Double Jeopardy” is completely unpredictable.  While the legal accuracy is questionable, the concept is awesome.  A few jaw-dropping twists turn this into an amazing revenge flick.  The plot cleverly places the characters into several unique settings such as New Orleans and the state of Washington.  These destinations emphasize the country-wide chase between the characters.  The acting is excellent, particularly Ashley Judd in her finest role.  The combination of her emotions and B.A. disposition will have you rooting for her from the start, even if she does break all sorts of laws and could be seen as a bad guy for most of the film.  She is perfectly contrasted by the tough cop attitude of Tommy Lee Jones.  The tension of the film rises at a steady pace, seemingly reaching its peak in the graveyard but saving even more for the very end.  The critics blasted this film but I find it to be a high-quality thriller with an unpredictable plot and high tension from start to finish.
The answer is: You aren’t going to want to wait to see this mind-blowing plot that will keep you guessing until the very end.
And the question is: How long will you put off seeing “Double Jeopardy”?

[Pictured; Greatest Jeopardy moment ever]

Draft Day - 8 stars out of 10

Draft Day - 8 stars out of 10

“Draft Day” seems like the NFL’s response to “Moneyball.”  Football fans are going to love this behind-the-scenes look at the draft as it explores drafting strategy and front office politics.  It does not have any football action but is riveting as personalities collide over the first overall draft pick.  The story is strong in its inclusion of several different NFL teams, broadcasters, and the theme that teams are selecting a three-dimensional person and not just a name on a sheet of paper.  It feels like the inclusion of a love story and family drama was partially geared toward bringing in a non-football audience, but I can’t see that crowd enjoying the film.  Fortunately for the filmmakers, football has a huge following in this country so the film will appeal to the majority of theatergoers.  While the love story may seem unnecessary at points, I think that it is critical in developing the depth of Sonny Weaver.  His humanity keeps him from being a business-class robot and emphasizes the difficulty of his decisions.  Kevin Costner is incredible in this role, developing chemistry with every other actor as their characters clash in emotional exchanges.  Denis Leary was the perfect selection for the football coach in looks, voice, and attitude.  Frank Langella made more of his role as the owner than most actors could have, Jennifer Garner is cute and spunky as always, and each of the draft nominees cleverly fit a stereotype so that they represented a type of player instead of an actual person.  Chadwick Boseman steals the spotlight again and is on his way to being the next big thing.  I cannot find fault in the storyline, script, or casting.  It is amazing that this type of story can have so many unexpected twists.  The split screen style supports the plot and avoids being overused.  “Draft Day” is simply a great film as it blurs the line between fictional characters and the real NFL to the point that you will question whether this is a movie or a documentary. 

[Pictured: Split screen style with Costner and Boseman]

God's Not Dead - 4 stars out of 10

God's Not Dead - 4 stars out of 10

“God’s Not Dead” lies somewhere between low-budget Christian films and normal films.  This film’s association with “Heaven Is for Real” (based solely on them being released at similar times) gave me a false expectation as far as quality is concerned.  While the acting of Shane Harper and Kevin Sorbo is excellent, many of the other actors were downright bad (particularly the girlfriend and the blogger).  That being said, they did not stand in the way of this film’s powerful message.  “God’s Not Dead” is worth watching solely for the classroom debate scenes and will make you question how much you would risk to stand up for your beliefs.  The film could have survived with a few less characters and side stories, but I am really impressed with the connections that are revealed between all of the characters.  A lot of films wait until the end to reveal the complex web of connections, but these writers divulge the associations throughout the story so that we are constantly surprised.  Low-budget Christian films are typically cheesy and predictable but, in spite of a few cheesy moments, the script kept me guessing and really shocked me several times.  I applaud the writers for their “big picture” approach to this story, even if some of the dialogue and acting was questionable.  This rating reflects the quality of “God’s Not Dead” in comparison to the great films of all time, but a film doesn’t have to get 10 stars for it to be worth seeing.  You won’t want to miss this one.