RoboCop

line up:
director: Paul Verhoeven
lead guy: Peter Weller
lead gal: Nancy Allen
Writer: Edward Neumeier & Michael Miner
Released: 1987
how long: 103min.
rating: R

plot quickie:
In a crime ridden old Detroit a maimed cop is turned into a unstoppable force against crime as a prototype cyborg known as Robocop

who should see:
Movie lovers who know they've seen it, but can't really remember when they saw it. Those wanting to beef up their classic movie knowlegability*

who should not see:
this is not a kids movie. foul language, brief nudity, and Reservoir Dogs esque violence.

Review:
While the iconic RoboCop movie deserves its fame for being ground breaking for its time. Making a half robot half man cop seem utterly believable through special effects, outfit, and makeup. It isn't as good as I remember it. certain elements seem childish, like the continual use of "Buddy boy" or the silly monologues of the Villain. some elements appear to be too obvious, like they really want to make sure we see Murphy's (RoboCop) name on his locker, or some plot advancing conversations that don't seem to fit other than to try and advance the plot. Other than the fact that cinematography and acting style has overall improved since the 80's there are some awesome elements. the continual use of news casts to show how the world is crumbling doesn't seem to heavy handed and is well crafted. the introduction of RoboCop and the awe when you first see him reminds me of Seeing Iron Man for the fist time in his movie.
So is it worth a movie night with friends...depends on the friends you have. Its an old film and thus its entertainment factor goes a little down simply because we are used to the biggest expolosions, fastest cars, and well crafted editing in the movies of today. In light of rumors that the RoboCop franchise is going to be brought back (like every other franchise. ie. Rocky..ha ha), it might be worth a watch.

Wanted

line up:
director: Timur Bekmambetov
lead guy: James McAvoy
lead gal: Angelina Jolie
Writer: Micheal Brandt & Derek haas
Released: 2008
how long: 110min.
rating: R

plot quickie:
guy goes from zero to hero as he taken into a secret organization that is made up of elite Assassins.

who should see:
anyone looking for a fun action ride with stunning visual effects and the "WHOAH" effect of the "Matrix" without the sophisticated story.

who should not see:
anyone thinking this is as good as the "Matrix" or doesn't like a lot of violence (not a kid movie, but if you do let your kid go, there's no nudity)

Review:
What a fun movie. Hollywood entertainment at its finest. a decent story line, not the best. amazing special effects, with the light humor of a "Die Hard" flick. all the right ingredients that make this film a wonderful film to go to with friends and snack on some buttery popcorn.
The pace is never slow from the outset, with an opening scene that is crafted to be pure eye candy. James McAvoy brings a great performance to a movie that could have been tossed to the likes of Vin Diesel and would have suffered because of it. Him and Jolie actually have some chemistry as she plays a well developed assassin that acts as somewhat of a mentor to McAvoy.
The concepts and training are the favorites of this film....the making of James into an assassin from a nobody accountant. this isn't necessarily a must see, but its a darn good film. It won't be up for an oscar, but its definately worth the 9 bucks you'll drop to watch it on the big screen.

Get Smart

line up:
director: Peter Segal
lead guy: Steve Carrell
lead gal: Anne Hathaway
Writer: Tom J. Astle & Matt Ember
Released: 2008
how long: 110min.
rating: pg-13

plot quickie:
a bumbling spy (Maxwell Smart) attempts to save the president, with his beautiful side kick, from an evil clandestine organization known as KAOS.

who should see:
parents who want a decent movie to take there kids to and still enjoy themselves.

who should not see:
anyone expecting the smart humor of the orginal tv show "Get Smart" or "The Office."

Review:
I new from the opening sequence when nothing funny happened and they used three seperate songs in the span of a minute and a half, that something was wrong. It only really be said that they just screwed up this one. It has all the elements but none of them ever seem to fit together except one magic moment when we actually laugh at something Steve Carell says. Otherwise you are forced to sit through poor comedic timing and cinematography that fits the likes of a Paul Greengrass movie (Bourne films) or an episode of "24." The plot never fully catches on to the viewer and seems like segmented events to facilitate particular jokes that must have seemed funny to someone at the time and indeed would be funny if they actually fit into a compelling action plot line. but alas, where the original TV show was brilliant, this movie pales in comparison. Steve Carell single handedly makes this movie a bareble DVD rental from your local redbox, but further than that, don't drop $9.50 to see this one on the big screen.