The Scorecard Review

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We start the Top ‘007′. You finish the Top 10.

Who would James Bond be without his cool gadgets? Sure, he would still be a great spy with a license to kill but would there be 22 movies about the man? Bond fans remember the old films when Q would introduce some new gadgets with each new installment. Q may be missing in the latest films but Bond still has some slick tools. Even some of Bond’s adversaries dabble in gadgetry but this list will be strictly MI6.

With Quantum of Solace opening on Friday, it’s a great time to look back at some of past films and the gadgets Bond uses to dispose of henchmen, save himself and ultimately save the world.

7. Diamonds Are Forever (1971) - Electromagnetic RPM Controller Ring

Recap ... Continue Reading

Eagle Eye
Directed by: D. J. Caruso
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Chiklis, Rosario Dawson
Time: 2 hours
Rating: PG-13

Plot: Two strangers, Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) meet after receiving mysterious phone calls from a woman they have never met. Tracking them with everyday technology the caller threatens their lives and forces them to complete a series of tasks that turn them into fugitives on the run. The unlikely pair work together to discover what is happening and why they are involved.

Who’s It For? If you enjoy fast action and chase scenes this one is for you. You’ll appreciate it more if you can suspend rational thinking for a couple hours.

Expectations: This reminds me of a couple movies I enjoyed like Enemy of the State and Live Free ... Continue Reading

Lakeview Terrace
Directed by: Neil LaBute
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson, Kerry Washington
Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: An interracial newlywed couple (Wilson and Washington) move into their dream home and soon realize they have issues with their neighbor. A disapproving Los Angeles police officer (Jackson) harasses his new neighbors until things go too far.

Who’s It For? If you want to see this one with your lady friend and hope she will cling to you because she’s scared, you might be disappointed. This is more of a psychological thriller than anything else. Surprisingly, there is as much humor as there is suspense.

Expectations: I am hoping the edge of the seats has good cushioning. I’m waiting for Samuel L. Jackson to pop out from behind a door or the ... Continue Reading

We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10.

The latest installment of the Indiana Jones series was released earlier this year, nearly twenty years after the previous film. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull received mixed reviews but grossed over $126M opening weekend. It was still an Indiana Jones film and still brought some of the same magic we saw in the first three in the series.

I consider myself a die-hard … oh wait, wrong franchise … a huge Indiana Jones fan. With the Crystal Skull DVD due to be released October 14th I wanted to recall some of the best moments in the series.

There are so many great scenes. Narrowing it down was tougher than I expected.

7. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost ... Continue Reading

Fly Me to the Moon
Directed by: Ben Stassen
Cast: Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry, Trevor Gagnon, Philip Daniel Bolden, David Gore
Time: 1.5 hours
Rating: G

Plot: In 1969 NASA plans to launch the first manned mission to the moon. Excited about the opportunity, three young flies plan stow away on the Apollo 11 space flight in an attempt to be the first insects on the moon.

Who’s It For? This one is for the young kids who haven’t yet had the experience of 3D on the big screen. Old enough that they can sit for 90 minutes with 3D glasses on but there’s probably not enough substance for the over 10 crowd.

Expectations: I haven’t seen a lot of buzz (pun intended) about the movie except that it’s in 3D. I hold any animated movie to ... Continue Reading