Mr_Muumi

Seems like Hunger Games is becoming the next Matrix trilogy. Interesting and original first movie, followed by sequel that continues the story where it should be left at. Catching Fire has it moments but essentially it is watered down version of the previous one.

This sloppy second of semi-funny predecessor looks like a collection of leftover clips parsed hastily together. Grown Ups 2 is not for anyone who has actually grown up. To add to its misery, the appreciating audience for boobie and pee pee humor is not able to see it due PG-13. Razzie award awaits.

Expendables 2 is an alumni all-star game of 80's action stars. Just like any get-together, Expendables 2 is more about fun and memories than it is about present day. Criticizing it with movie standards would feel like writing review for old friends who came to jam in one's backyard.

X-Men: First Class succeeds by having actual storyline aside neat special effects and flashy action scenes. The characters have more depth than average movie superheroes and there are successful tie-ins with actual historical events. This prequel is positive surprise that even non-fan of Marvel movies can enjoy.

The Quiz Show is slow-paced, clever historical drama that doesn't need to rely on other means of capturing the viewer. The role played by John Turturro as book-smart, but in other ways simple-minded contestant Herb Stempel deserves a separate mention.

10 Years is a movie to see once and forget. It falls into category of comedy drama that offers some good moments but at the same time nothing in particular. It is not a bad movie, but not enough good to raise it above dull mediocrity.

This is an real-life hockey version of "The Wrestler". Nilan's personal story has various parallels with the autobiography by his friend (since deceased) NHL enforcer Bob Probert. The Last Gladiators raises questions on what types of persons are drawn to the role of enforcer and what is the price they have to pay.

Captain America is based on Marvel comic so there are no surprises. However it serves it's purpose to keep viewer entertained. Few wink and nods to the fans and twist in the end give it a bit of extra compared to predecessors from same genre. With all of it's parts summed Captain America comes out positive.

Tom Cruise plays the ex-military fighting machine who defeats the bad guys and charms the ladies with his rugged looks. The storyline is as bouncy as the cleavage of the shallow female lead role. Jack Reacher is bashed by the critics, but average viewer will enjoy watching it

The movie starts as a conspiracy theorists wet dream about big pharma but goes later down another path. Unfortunately, the story is illogical and the plot tries bit too hard to be clever. Actors do a fine job, aside Catherine Zeta-Jones character is not a good fit for her.

Jack and Jill is all-time low that makes sequels to Nutty Professor seem like cinematographic masterpieces. Adam Sandler fails terribly in both of his dual roles (one in drag) delivering 1,5 hours of embarrassingly bad jokes e.g. about bodily functions and homosexuals.

"Safe Haven" attempts to pull heartstrings using every trick in the great book of cliches. What we got here is a plot from paperback thriller mixed with storyline out of cheap romantic novel. The actors keep the predictable end result from falling flat on its face, yet the good moments are very few and much in between.

The Great Gatsby is romantic comedy drama taking place in 1920's New York during prohibition. Following footpaths of Moulin Rouge, it is stacked with big-name actors, hip music and capturing visuals. If leaving out vibrant party scenes, cool soundtrack and sure-fire casting there is really much to The Great Gatsby.

Bachelorette is a comedy that tries to have "an edge" meaning sex, drugs and saying lot of dirty words. Eddie Murphy said in the past humor is not about saying list of obscenities and wishing everyone good night. The movie attempts to amuse audience with exactly this while failing awkwardly.

One of the most positive surprises of less known productions grabs the viewer by the throat and holds until the end. District 9 is Sci-fi only by definition, yet the underlying political and sociological themes are presented in enough subtle way for those who only wish to enjoy it only as an story.

"Jim, he's dead". The Internship shoves down audience's throat the search engine giant's product portfolio with message of it being fun, unconventional and creative place to work. Unfortunately, this hopelessly outdated and predictable movie doesn't possess any of those qualities.

The Quartet is a well-made, but in the end thin feelgood story about aging. The story is based on a play script. This gives the scenes static feel and drag the movie instead of moving it forward. As summary, there just isn't enough in the mix to keep viewer intrigued.

I Don' t Know How She Does It is romantic comedy that falls short on both sectors. Uninspired performances by Sarah Jessica Parker and Pierce Brosnan are tied together by dime-a-dozen feelgood story that has nothing more to offer than comforting predictability.

Film connoisseurs will not sing praises for this one, but I enjoyed the movie. Recent comedies are often overly sarcastic or try to amuse with borderline distasteful scenes (e.g. Borat). Grown Ups relies on neither. It is simply made to entertain the viewer with mild-mannered good old fun and it succeeds doing that.

The end scene is embarrassment to the clever build-up and solid role played by Denzel Washington. What a disappointing way waste a good story that had potential for so much more.

Price Check starts off as workplace comedy, then as movie goes on it turns more into relationship drama. In the end what what it has left is bit of mix-and-match of both, yet neither working that well. On positive side the roles are carried out well by the actors.

Argo has been praised by both critics and audience alike. Bit surprisingly, as despite being better than average political thriller it is difficult to believe it would be looked back as Oscar-winning classic. It has inaccuracies and dramatizations which have too much of a scripted feel, given the story is based on real events.

This a prime example of stylish drama that likely appeals more to mature audience. The characters are believable and acting is as steady as the credits suggest. Best of all, the moral of the story is that there isn't any.

Mickey Rourke plays convincing role as over-the-hill professional wrestler who is clinging on to his past. One of the best sport dramas around, although the main character owes some credit to the documentary film "Beyond the Mat".

The 1995 version including Sylvester Stallone in tights was pure insult to the fans. The new Dredd in turn is loyal to the sarcastic, dark and violent nature of the original cult comic character. Judge Dredd finally has the kind of movie it long deserved.

Parental Guidance starts with promising first 10 minutes but finishes as dime-a-dozen family comedy. Good, clean fun and pulling some heartstrings along the way guaranteed.

The story alone is fascinating but the subtle twist it has is even more intriguing. The movie gives you indication but leaves enough questions open to decide by yourself. To give out more would spoil one of the best films I have recently seen.

Although End of Watch manages to avoid most of the typical cliches associated with the genre of law enforcement movies, there is still loose cannon & family man- pair around. The movie is worth seeing but I think I would have been better off watching the old episodes of Cops instead.

The Bay carries on from where Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity left. Unfortunately it doesn't add anything new to the "lost footage"- horror genre that is already beaten to death. Characters lack depth, acting is mediocre at best, the story is inconsistent and offers nothing further to keep it interesting.

The fact that this movie is filled with dialogues and scenes that are inevitably part of modern pop culture speaks for itself. I rarely use the word "classic", but Pulp Fiction qualifies as one.

You have to review the Bond movies within their context. As such, Skyfall is by means not bad one. There is something new and something familiar to keep both old and new fans watching. When you are going to see a any James Bond movie you pretty much know what to expect and Skyfall delivers exactly this.