All in Film Reviews

Plot: A young man, Tristan (Charlie Cox), begins a quest for a fallen star to give to his potential wife (Sienna Miller) and it takes him on quite an adventure. First of, the star turns out to be a beautiful young woman (Claire Daines), and he’s not the only one after her. A witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) and princes trying to gain their father’s crown are also in a deadly pursuit. Who’s it for: It’s a fantasy, with hints of coy humor throughout. But while kids might like looking at the film, it plays to an older audience.

Expectations: I read and really liked the book. There were hints of “A Princess Bride” in this film, which is an all-time favorite movie for me.

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Actors:

Charlie Cox as Tristan: Pretty much an unknown, Cox

Plot: Every stunt man needs to start somewhere, and for Rod Kimble (Andy Samberg), it’s his neighborhood. Along with a couple friends, Rod begins preparations for an elaborate stunt in the hopes of raising enough money for his abusive stepfather to get a heart transplant so he can get healthy … and Rod can attempt to beat him up again. Who’s it for: You’ve got to appreciate stupid comedies. There is definitely repetitive humor, and it runs long in parts, but there are a few scenes that should induce tears (of joy).

Expectations: I like Andy Samberg’s work on “Saturday Night Live,” but he never struck me as having the talent of a Will Ferrell, Phil Hartman or even a Jimmy Fallon, so the jury was still out for me.

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Actors:

Andy Samberg

Plot: Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) continues to race around the country to try and discover the final mysteries of his past, while new government officials attempt to eliminate him, and anyone else that might try and help him. Who’s it for: It seems you flock to these movies because you are either a Matt Damon fan, or like edge of your seat action … or perhaps, just perhaps, you like both of these things. And ladies, there isn’t any romance in this one if you were wondering.

Expectations: I expected great things. So far, the “Bourne” series is right up there will the great trilogies of all time. In fact, can you name a better action trilogy (assuming you think part three holds up)?

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Actors:

Matt Damon as Jason Bourne: Every movement is just

Plot: Master Chef Kate Armstrong (Catherine Zeta-Jones) runs her kitchen and her life with an intense control. When a terrible car accident leaves her in charge of her niece (Abigal Breslin), Kate must try to make room in her home. And a new, free-spirited sous chef (Aaron Eckhart) joins her kitchen, which means Kate must try and make room for him in her kitchen. Who’s it for: You have to be a big fan of Zeta-Jones and of course, be willing to hear people talking about food.

Expectations: I didn’t have any. Historically, I’m not a Zeta-Jones fan, but Eckhart is great, so I figured they would cancel each other out.

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Actors:

Catherine Zeta-Jones as Kate Armstrong: There is something about her … it’s like Zeta-Jones is one of those little league pitchers

Plot: OK, let’s pretend the plot matters: Springfield is on the verge of being an environmental wasteland, and Homer pushes it over the edge. With that, the government decides to seal up the town in a giant dome. Now, with the town against him, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) after him, and his family having their doubts, Homer must save everyone. Who's it for: If you have seen a handful of “The Simpsons” episodes, and laughed the majority of the time, then this film is for you. They don’t really push the envelope with language, but we do see an animated Bart naked.

Expectations: I pretty much just watch reruns, and not that often anymore. I decided to expect a solid episode and nothing more, even though they’ve had 18 years

Plot: Larry (Kevin James) and Chuck (Adam Sandler) are best friends and firefighters. They would do anything for each other, so when Larry loses his insurance benefits because of civic red tape, he convinces Chuck to become his domestic partner. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy as that when a bureaucrat (Steve Buscemi) comes sniffing around, Larry and Chuck are forced to act like they are in love. This proves especially difficult when Chuck starts falling for the lawyer (Jessica Biel) hired to help them. Who’s it for: This film is for people that still think slurs are funny but realize it’s not politically correct.

Expectations: Would this film just be a slew of bad gay jokes directed at a society that isn’t ready to deal with equality? Or would it rise

Plot: The original “Hairspray” film inspired a Broadway musical, which in turn inspired a film, based on the musical … you still with me? At the center of it all is Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) who is obsessed with a Baltimore dance show, and attempts to teach the town about integration after landing a spot on the show. Edna Turnblad (John Travolta) attempts to reel in her daughter, but then gets caught up in the excitement of the times as well. Who’s it for: You’ve got to love full-blown Broadway musicals to enjoy this movie. You have got to love full-blown Broadway musicals to enjoy this movie. That wasn’t an editing error; I just needed you to REALLY understand.

Expectations: The previews made me cringe. A fun musical about the racial

Plot: When we last left Harry Potter, Cedric Diggory was dead and no one believed that Lord Voldemort is back. Harry’s fifth year in school brings another Defense of the Dark Arts teacher in Dolores Umbridge, who has been brought to Hogwarts by Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. Dolores attempts to take control of Hogwarts as Harry, Ron and Hermione decide to form an army to defend themselves from the coming of the Death Eaters and Voldemort. Who’s it for: Each movie is a little darker and for a little older crowd, but luckily kids have been growing up with Harry and have probably read the books.

Expectations: Historically, I have gotten used to the fact that the movies just don’t fully capture the feelings of the books. Plus, before

Plot: Reverend Frank (Robin Williams) is a marriage counselor who puts a young couple through a series of tests before he allows them to get married. Who's it for: No one. I’m about to get married and I didn’t find any connection. Plus, there aren’t any laughs to speak of in this “comedy.”

Expectations: The previews didn’t look good, but I thought this film would be more about the couple and less about Robin Williams. I was wrong.

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Actors:

Robin Williams as Reverend Frank: Williams is apart of three of my all-time favorite films, “Dead Poet’s Society,” “Good Will Hunting” and “The Fisher King.” But the more he works, the more I realize it’s all about the material with him. Instead of coming of wise or cool, it’s insane and idiotic. He’s awful

Plot: Robotic aliens with the power to transform into man-made vechicles land on Earth and attempt to battle one another for an all-powerful cube. Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and other humans are stuck in-between as Optimus Prime leads the Autobots against Megatron and the Decepticons. Who’s it for: If you don’t know what Autobots and Decepticons are, you might want to avoid this summer blockbuster. Otherwise, this big-budget bonanza is for you … especially if you’re currently a teenage boy.

Expectations: “G.I. Joe” and “Transformers” were can’t-miss cartoons for me growing up, so I was pretty excited for this film. My only worry is that no blockbuster has met my expectations this summer.

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Actors:

Shia LaBeouf as Sam Witwicky: Once again, LaBeouf proves to be the best young actor out there. His short

Plot: A rat named Remy dreams of becoming a chef, and when he washes up in Paris, he has a chance. The problem, of course, is that humans don’t care for rats, much less ones that have been touching their food. An unlikely friendship forms when a bumbling trash boy named Linguini wants to work for a famous five-star restaurant, and together Remy and Linguini attempt to make an impression and prove anyone can cook. Who’s it for: It’s actually for adults. The comedy comes from physical humor and there isn’t tons of it, so kids are left watching people and rats cook.

Expectations: Pixar is the gold seal of animated movies. Sure, I didn’t think “Cars” had the zing of “Finding Nemo” or “Toy Story 2,” but I figured that

Plot: Michael Moore’s new documentary is all about the health care industry. He spends some time discussing the uninsured, but mainly focuses on those who think they are safe with their health insurance policies. Moore also takes us to other countries like Canada, France and Cuba to showcase some differences. Who’s it for: This should be for every one of us who is concerned, but Moore has made enemies on the right who will probably boycott the film.

Expectations: I was excited to see what Moore would do as a filmmaker and what I would learn about the industry. I’ve spent the majority of my adult life without a solid health care plan and therefore have lived in financial fear of any health problems.

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Actors:

Michael Moore: Less is Moore. When people think

Plot: Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) returns in this sequel to “Bruce Almighty.” Evan is now a Senator, taking his wife and kids to Virginia. God (Morgan Freeman) makes a visit and expects Evan to build an ark. Animals start to gather and Evan begins to resemble Noah, all while he tries to keep his sanity and new political friends like Congressman Long (John Goodman). Who’s it for: There is similar humor as the first, with a hint of the plot going toward family values and protecting the environment.

Expectations: Carell is amazing in “The Office,” which is currently my favorite show. Although this plot isn’t my cup of tea and I wasn’t a fan of “Bruce Almighty,” I assumed it would be good for a few laughs.

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Actors:

Steve Carell as Evan Baxter

Plot: John McClane (Bruce Willis) is back trying to save the day, but this analog cop just ran in to a digital problem. The U.S. computer infrastructure has been taken over and suddenly everything can be controlled. Havoc ensues as John tries to save a computer hacker (Justin Long) and the rest of America. Who’s it for: Well, it’s PG-13, which means we’ll probably only hear one F-bomb. I’m sure this film will be a great example about how tons of explosions and death doesn’t matter to the ratings board.

Expectations: Explosions are cool, especially when Willis is shouting out one-liners. But it’s been a while, so I didn’t want to get too excited about “Live Free or Die Hard.”

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Actors:

Bruce Willis as John McClane: There is no action hero better than

Plot: It’s been 60 years since the teen sleuth has been on the big screen and this time Emma Roberts (Julia’s niece) stars as the teen sleuth who movies to Los Angeles with her father (Tate Donovan). Once there, she goes back and forth on whether or not to poke her noise into the mystery death of a famous actress. Who’s it for: This one is mainly for teenage girls, without enough to satisfy mystery fans. And I question whether the older “Nancy Drew” fan base will be entertained.

Expectations: I never read “Nancy Drew” or “The Hardy Boys.” I was a “Choose Your Own Adventure” guy, but I was looking forward to seeing what could be done with this film. After all, they have already planned a sequel, so the

Plot: The four-pack of superheroes encounter the insanely powerful Silver Surfer, but unfortunately, meeting him means the world coming to an end. The misunderstood Silver Surfer leaves a path of destruction wherever he goes. Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben try to work with the government to put a stop to the Silver Surfer, but things get complicated when Dr. Doom makes a comeback. All of this, plus Reed and Sue are trying to get married. Who’s it for: Fans of the first and kids. The “FF” films just don’t pack the punch of the other superhero films like “Batman Begins,” and don’t have the humor of “The Incredibles.”

Expectations: I was very surprised they were making a second film. But then I did have that glimmer of hope … maybe they

Plot: Based on the book “A Might Heart: The Brave Life and Death of my Husband Danny Pearl,” Angelina Jolie plays Mariane Pearl during 2002 when Daniel Pearl, South Asian bureau chief, was taken hostage and eventually murdered. Mariane did everything she could to find Daniel during his final days in Pakistan, all while she was pregnant with their first child. Who’s it for: This is not your typical summer popcorn flick. It’s a heavy drama.

Expectations: In most situations, I believe Angelina Jolie is one the best actors out there. I thought she missed with her performance in “The Good Shepherd,” so I figured she’d bounce back with this one. Plus, I didn’t know much about Daniel Pearl’s story so I was hoping to get educated.

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Actors:

Angelina Jolie as Mariane Pearl

Plot: Penguin Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf) is an up-and-coming surfer who travels to Hawaii from Antarctica for his first-ever surfing competition. He befriends the gnarly Chicken Joe (Jon Heder) and the washed-up Geek (Jeff Bridges) and attempts to understand the true nature of what it means to surf. Who’s it for: Die-hard surfers and kids, though I can’t imagine a surfer is going to assume an animated flick will properly capture the nature of their lifestyle/sport.

Expectations: Another penguin movie? That’s all I could think. But as soon as “Surf’s Up” began, this animated film became more, really almost a documentary.

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Actors:

Shia LaBeouf as Cody Maverick: Unfortunately his character goes through too many mood swings, so I couldn’t constantly be on his side. But LaBeouf is pretty entertaining no matter what

Plot: Willy Bank (Al Pacino) double-crosses Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould) and that’s all Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) need to get the gang back together for another heist. Who’s it for: Anyone who liked “Ocean’s Eleven.”

Expectations: Just like everyone else, I didn’t think “Ocean’s Twelve” compared to the original (remake). So I figured director Steven Soderbergh and company would try to get it right this time.

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Actors:

Clooney/Pitt as Danny/Rusty: I am really only going to try and use the word “cool” only once this review. Clooney and Pitt are insanely cool. There, it’s done. Every scene where they banter over one another or talk about their women is just perfect. Grade: 9

Matt Damon as Linus Caldwell: Every group of friends needs one guy to pick on, and

Plot: It’s a one-night stand that has consequences. But luckily for us, the consequences are consistent laughter. Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) is a pot-smoking slacker who is the complete opposite of Allison Scott (Katherine Heigl), an up-and-coming E! Entertainment journalist. But when they get pregnant, both are willing to see if they can make it work in just nine short months. Who’s it for: It’s a great date movie: Men will be laughing along with the group of boys in the film and women will be properly rolling their eyes. It’s the perfect balance.

Expectations: If you’ve seen a preview, you know this is from the same director as “40 Year Old Virgin.” You know this because they mention it EVERY chance they get. Another thing about the preview … they