Yogi Bear - 5 stars out of 10

Yogi Bear - 5 stars out of 10

I am not going to pretend that "Yogi Bear" is an adult movie because it definitely is made for children; however, that does not mean that an adult cannot be entertained by all of the crazy antics of this smarter-than-the-av-er-age-bear."  Watching the film in 2D, I could tell that the 3D was very gimmicky but it still makes a great 2D family film.  Dan Akroyd's portrayal of Yogi definitely reminded me of Rodney Dangerfield,  but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.  More than anything, Boo Boo is so cute, I think that everybody just wanted to cuddle him for the entire duration of the film.  Tom Cavanagh's acting is pretty bad but it actually plays fairly well against the computer animated bears.  He's endearingly geeky in a young Don Knotts sort of way but I probably wouldn't make a point to see any of his other movies.  Although I wouldn't nominate this film for an Oscar, it's a great family film that is kid-appropriate but has enough visual gags to hold an adult's interest.

District 9 - 9 stars out of 10

District 9 - 9 stars out of 10

This movie was much better the second time, once I knew what to expect.  Shot in documentary form, "District 9" really gives the feeling of watching video footage from an historic event.  It transcends the realm of fantasy by turning it into reality.  The idea of cohabitation between humans and aliens is difficult to swallow at first, but soon seems typical and creates a human/alien interaction that no other movie has ever portrayed.  The special effects are among the best that I've ever seen, making it difficult to remember that the aliens did not actually interact with the humans during filming.  The transformation of Wikus's body is also entirely realistic and sometimes difficult to watch.  Sharlto Copley is a great addition to Hollywood and I hope to see him in many future roles now that he has proved himself by being in nearly every shot of this entire film.  A lot of credit needs to be given to the cameramen, whose timing was flawless on all of the handheld shots.  The movie has a constant energy that comes from the unity of actors, cameramen, and computer animation.  The special effects take gore to a new level at points, but that just adds to the extreme edge of this film.  I'd definitely recommend this film but realize that it is not what you expect.  In fact, it's better than anything that you could expect from an intellectual sci-fi thriller.

The Bucket List - 7 stars out of 10

The Bucket List - 7 stars out of 10

I didn't think that I’d have any interest in watching old guys do extreme sports, but I was pleased to find that this was not Queen Latifah's "Last Holiday." Freeman and Nicholson make a great team and once again prove that you can't go wrong with either of these actors. Despite the constant humor (particularly anything involving Se...an Hayes), the movie possesses the dark undertones that are inevitable when your theme is imminent death. The film somehow manages to be humorous and moving at the same time, culminating in a wonderful ending. Picturesque scenery and Morgan Freeman laughing until he cries enhance the enjoyable plot to make a film about old people that can probably appeal to anybody over the age of 21.

Just Like Heaven - 8 stars out of 10

Just Like Heaven - 8 stars out of 10

"Just Like Heaven" may not be a very realistic film... but its story is incredibly romantic and the ending manages to avoid predictability and find the perfect conclusion. Reese Witherspoon is adorable and spunky while this was the film that first drew my attention to Ruffalo, who creates a very likeable personality on screen. The entire cast manages to keep the mood light, despite the incredibly sad content of the film. I could've done without John Heder but overall, "Just Like Heaven" is a chick flick that will delight over and over again.

Cry Freedom - 6 stars out of 10

Cry Freedom - 6 stars out of 10

"Cry Freedom" wanders away from expectation as this seeming story of racial freedom suddenly becomes a story of escape.  Though the shift in focus is a very effective twist, it robs the film it's point (South African equality) in exchange for a weaker one (a white character's struggles).  That being said, Washington and Kline have amazing performances in their roles and the supporting cast creates some wonderful emotional tension.  Although no other actors particularly stand out, the family provides the necessary emotions to drive the second half of the film, particularly the eldest daughter's tears as they leave their home.  If this film's goal was to to use a family's struggle to create a a heroic character expertly portrayed by Kevin Kline, it was a success; however, if this film was trying to promote the ideals historically prounounced by Steven Biko, it failed.  The end credits prove this point as the list the injustices to South American prisoners feels awkward after final feel-good scene with the family.  Good film, but it would've been better if it would've focused on Biko instead of Woods.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - 9 stars out of 10

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - 9 stars out of 10

Although I was terrified of this movie as a child, I have come to realize that it goes beyond the simple concept of an alien being left behind on earth.  "E.T." uses a child's perspective to create one of the most epic stories of friendship in the universe.  With most of the shots filmed at a child's eye level and the purposeful avoidance of showing the faces of adults to avoid giving them identity throughout the course of the movie (with the exception of the mom), "E.T." has the power to transport any viewer back to the age of 10, looking at the world with innocence and naivety.  Henry Thomas is perfect in this role, acting far beyond his years.  The fact that none of these actors were stars when this film was made adds to the sense that this could happen to anyone.  It is amazing how well the special effects hold up 30 years later.  The robotics are amazing and it is impossible to avoid chills when Elliot rides the bike in front of the moon with one of John Williams' greatest musical themes overwhelming your senses.  If you didn’t get choked up during the final scene... you're lying.  Saying that E.T.'s final line is a tearjerker is an understatement.  This movie is the complete emotional package as a family-friendly adventure that has themes that can truly move adults.

Jack - 7 stars out of 10

Jack - 7 stars out of 10

At first, I was trying to figure out why such an awesome cast signed on for such an average movie. What begins as a display of typical childhood comedy about farts and dirty magazines turns into some very profound statements about childhood innocence, growing up, and the value of life. Robin Williams, at first seeming too over-the-top, is magnificent as his consistency in the childhood role will make you into a believer by the end. The first playground scene perfectly stereotypes that sad kid that just can't fit in at school. While the first hour is very goofy, the ending is incredibly heartfelt, accented by a whimsical, childlike score by Michael Kamen. There were 100 ways to end this movie the wrong way but the writers chose the one perfect ending. The cast brings this story to life - Diane Lane has never looked better, Bill Cosby was himself and yet a perfect fit as the tutor, J-Lo's emotional scene with Williams was a wonderful preparation for the second half of the film, and even Fran Drescher (whose voice typically sounds to me like nails on a chalkboard) was perfect. Externally, "Jack" appears to be a kids movie, but hidden deep within that childish exterior lies a poignant portrait of life's fleeting moments.