Reviews

In 2010 Piranha 3D, made on an estimated budget of $24 million, went on to gross over $83 million worldwide. The movie was far from good, but was able to succeed by not taking itself seriously and upping the "camp" factor. It shouldn't be a surprise, based on the film's gross, that a sequel would be spawned; the aptly named Piranha 3DD.

When last we saw the prehistoric piranha they were wrecking havoc on Lake Victoria's Spring party. As predicted by Carl Goodman, played by Christopher Lloyd, the piranha have begun to evolve and are now able to breakthrough steel, metal, and wood to get to their next meal. That next meal, or appetizer is to be found in a nearby lake, and ends with the ravenous, toothy fish finding their main course in a water park, which includes a newly constructed "adults only" section called "Big Wet" that employs "water-certified strippers" and where "double Ds get in for free"; and there are plenty of double Ds (here lies the reason for the movie's title).

At an estimated budget of $20 million, Piranha 3DD is the most expensive film directed by John Gulager, known mostly for being the Project Greenlight: season 3 winner and director of the Feast trilogy. Based on what Gulager's Piranha 3DD, having never seen any of his Feast films, his style of film making appears to be one in which he favors style over substance. He would seem to be someone who could make a very decent living directing films to be seen on the Syfy network.

The only returning cast from the original are Christopher Lloyd's Goodman and Ving Rhames' Deputy Fallon; when we last saw Fallon he appeared to be getting eaten alive from the waste down. We learn that in fact he wasn't killed and was rendered legless; however, he was able to save enough money for replacements. Gary Busy also makes an appearance, albeit a short one.

The lead actress is Danielle Panabaker (Shark), starring as Mandy, 49% owner of "Big Wet" and marine biology (!?!?) student. Panabaker's Mandy is the least campy of the characters, and unfortunately there's nothing to take seriously in the film and for that she's the least memorable.

Matt Bush's (Glory Daze) Barry is the dorky guy and basically the park's glorified trash man….and seemingly useless when it comes to anything else, because he can't swim. Bush has the look of the dork down pat, and provides some very funny moments.

David Koechner, who has played in some very funny comedies such as Anchorman, The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, and Semi-Pro, is the perfect choice to play the park's majority owner and Mandy's step-father Chet. Koechner has a way about him that is perfectly suited for a film and role of this stature.

David Hasselhoff plays himself and steals the film with his self mockery; it's not a far cry from the truth when Hasselhoff mutters the line that he's "hit rock bottom".

I'd be remiss if I didn't give kudos to Katrina Bowden, who plays Shelby, and Jean-Luc Bilodeau, who plays Josh; the duo have one of the best scenes in the film and Bowden easily delivers the film's funniest line.

As much as Piranha 3D didn't take itself seriously, it was more than just big chests, gore and comedic moments; it had a storyline to aid in guiding the film along. In Piranha 3DD it's all just big chests, over the top gore, and comedic moments. That's not to say that it's a bad thing, because the film doesn't try to be anything more than what it is; a lot of cheese and double Ds.

Grade: B

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I'm sorry to say The Avengers isn't a good movie; it's a GREAT MOVIE!!!! It's not only the best team superhero movie ever made, but it may just be the best comic book adaption made period! The Avengers is the culmination of what began in Iron Man; and continued through The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America. It was only a few years ago that my son and I had just finished watching Iron Man and as the credits were ending, Samuel L. Jackson appeared on screen as Nick Fury and spoke to Tony Stark about joining Avengers Initiative…in that short scene, the framework for potentially the greatest comic book movie of all-time had begun! Director Joss Whedon, most known for the T.V. series Buffy The Vampire Slayer, takes the foundation that was built in the prior films and brings together the greatest team of superheroes in film history, The Avengers: Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk/Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) as "assembled" by Nick Fury. Whedon's scripts usually include clever banter, gripping action sequences and an air of mystery and The Avengers is no different. Whedon has an utter love for comic books, and it is proudly put on display in The Avengers. The cast does a great job of bringing these iconic characters to life, beginning with Robert Downey Jr. Unlike Iron Man 2, in which Downey seemed to skate through scene after scene, Downey plays Stark almost effortlessly, delivering his lines with relative ease allowing his charisma, charm and smugness to shine through; Robert Downey Jr. IS Tony Stark! Chris Evans' solidifies himself in the role of Captain America. He was very good in his solo film, but truly owns the role standing alongside Iron Man and Thor. Chris Hemsworth's Asgardian god Thor has some incredible battle scenes and indirectly provides one of the film's most funny moments. After being seriously underutilized in Iron Man 2, Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow is provided a back-story, which helps in developing the character and provides an opportunity to prove she is much more than just a pretty face; she's as dangerous psychologically as she is physically. I could envision myself enjoying a beat-down at the hands (and feet) of Black Widow. The character I was most concerned about being given little story and the least amount of screen time was Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye; happily, he's not left by the wayside and does a more than admirable job of developing the character. Hawkeye stands alongside Robin Hood and Katniss Everdene (The Hunger Games) as the best archers to grace the silver screen. I'd like to see more of him in a film of his own. Mark Ruffalo, the most recent choice to play Hulk, is far better suited to the role than Eric Bana (The Hulk) and Ed Norton Jr (The Incredible Hulk). Ruffalo looks more the part of the nerdy scientist Banner and plays the part without looking angry in every scene. In The Avengers, the Hulk is at his most impressive, both in his on-screen transformation and the violence he displays when the opportunity calls for him to "hulk out". If any character appeared to stand out a little bit more than the others, for me it was the Hulk. Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury is finally more than just the guy making surprise appearances. Fury is finally able to stretch his legs some, and Jackson slides quite easily into the role. Clark Gregg's Agent Caulson returns, and Cobie Smulders makes her Marvel films debut as Agent Maria Hill, and she is a welcome addition. The film's main villain is Thor's adopted-brother Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston. You would think the part would be a difficult one to play being opposite such powerful personalities and strong characters, but Hiddleston does a fantastic job; the performance should not go unnoticed, because it's one of the strong points of the film. Loki is not a villain without purpose and Hiddleston comes across as a devious mastermind without being cartoonish. At a running-time of 2+ hours, The Avengers is well paced and time flies by. The effects are top-notch, the acting is very good, and the script drives the movie elevating its strengths. For viewers that may not have seen any of the other films (and if so, why not!?!?), we're provided just enough information to bring everyone up to speed without feeling overdone. Whedon provides more than just a standard comic book film, but a story with reason that's backed up with incredible action and humor. Although the film is filled with larger than life characters, none are short changed; each character is given at least one great scene to work with, and the opportunities don't go to waste. The film's finale provides a deafening crescendo of action that is breathtaking. As usual with Marvel films, be sure to stay around for the post credit sequence, which provides a surprising reveal. I went into The Avengers with unfairly high expectations, due to all of those that were involved, as well as the films that came before it. After viewing the initial trailers and not being blown away, I had set myself up for disappointment. It was only a matter of minutes after the film started that I was put at ease, and just minutes later when my expectations were blown away. I never imagined that it was possible to put onto the screen, what I was watching. I'm happy that Marvel had the sense to keep these properties to themselves and to move forward with these characters in the manner in which they did. Marvel Studios and Disney are going to make a boatload of money off this film, and deservedly so; because there's never been another movie made of its caliber. Grade: A+

Simple: easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty. Plan: A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.

How often does a simple task, such as hanging up a picture or changing the lock on a door, turn into a far more complicated project than when it was first started? Sadly, more times that I'd personally like to think about. There's an expression "the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray", meaning that no matter how well you plan for something, there's always something that comes along to mess things up. A Simple Plan, from director Sam Raimi, is a perfect illustration of how things can go unbelievably bad, incredibly fast, no matter how simple the plan.

Hank (Bill Paxton) has everything he needs to be a happy man; a pregnant wife who loves him, a decent job, and neighbors who like and respect him. One day while out in the woods, Hank, his brother Jacob (Billy Bob Thorton) and Jacob's friend Lou (Brent Briscoe), stumble across a snow- covered airplane. After searching the wreckage, they discover a duffel bag filled with money; Four million, four hundred thousand dollars to be exact. Although unsure where the money came from, Hank is convinced by Jacob and Lou that it's in their best interest to take the money for themselves. After coming up with a "simple plan" to sit on the money for some time, Hank takes the money home for safe keeping. It doesn't take long before greed, necessity, and temptation overwhelm the men, causing distrust. As other people are made aware of the money, the problems increase, leading to conflict between brothers, friends and family. Things intensify all the more, when someone comes looking for the missing money.

Director Sam Raimi, mostly known for Evil Dead and the Spider-Man trilogy, does a spectacular job of turning Scott B. Smith's novel and screenplay into a modern-day masterpiece. Raimi does a wonderful job of perfectly pacing the film and slowly establishing the growing tension that evolves once opportunity presents itself, before the shocking finale. In typical Raimi fashion, there are shockingly brutal scenes throughout the highly suspenseful film, but all tastefully done.

Bill Paxton gives one of the few fine performances of his career; another would come three years later in Frailty. Paxton's ability to play the nice guy is done in such a relaxing manner, he makes the character easily someone your able to relate to. The complex transformation Hank goes through is made all the more true to human nature, thanks to Paxton.

Billy Bob Thornton, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, portrays Jacob as a bit mentally challenged, only to show that he's not quite as simple-minded as one would think. Early in his career, Billy Bob played some very well written characters; such as Ray Malcoln in One False Move, and Karl Childers in Sling Blade for which Thornton was nominated for Best Actor and won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar®.

Brent Briscoe, mostly known for a number of small character roles in film and on television, easily gives the most memorable performance of his career as the troubled and desperate Lou. The camaraderie between Briscoe and Thornton, which started when they worked together on Sling Blade, is plain to see.

Bridget Fonda, the unsung star of the film, gives a Lady Macbeth like performance as Hank's pregnant wife Sarah. Sarah starts as the loving wife, only to become the dark side of Hank's conscience, planting the seeds of despair in his mind pushing him to make rash decisions for which there's no coming back.

A Simple Plan, similar to the Cohen Brothers' great film, Fargo, is very well written, directed and acted film; a dark, intriguing, and intense character study of choices made and the ramifications of those choices. Although Billy Bob's performance was the only thing the film was recognized for, there are arguments that could be made that the acting performances by Bill Paxton and Bridget Fonda, as well as Sam Raimi's direction, went unrecognized, undeservedly so. Similar is style to the Cohen Brothers' great film, Fargo, A Simple Plan is by no means a happy film, it is a pleasant surprise just how good it truly is.

Grade: A

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Anytime a movie comes out that involves some form of boxing there's always a comparison to Rocky, and Warrior is no different. The only things the two films have in common are that they were very well cast and each movie is exceptionally well done; the similarities end there.

Gavin O'Connor, most known for directing Miracle, the very under rated film about the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, co-wrote, directed and makes an appearance in Warrior. A dramatic film about family and Mixed-Martial Arts (MMA), Warrior is more than just a run of the mill fight film. The movie is incredibly well constructed and nicely paced. At a run-time of 140 minutes, the movie never feels like it's running too long. The fight scenes are intense and brutally realistic, and the family dysfunction is all too real. Tom Hardy as the psychologically scarred Tommy Conlon, gives a very emotionally charged performance. Hardy's career has really started to break out, having recently been seen in Inception and playing the main villain, Bane, in the upcoming Dark Knight Rises. Joel Edgerton, who made his break as Uncle Owen in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, plays the financially strapped Brendan Conlon. Edgerton is convincing as a husband and father trying to do what's necessary for the betterment of his family. Jennifer Morrison, as Brendan's wife Tess Conlon, is very good and believable as a woman torn between her love for her husband and her fear of losing her family. Oscar nominated Nick Nolte, plays Paddy Conlon, father to the Conlon brothers and an alcoholic former boxer. It goes without saying that this is the best we've seen from Nolte, since Affliction.

As much as I enjoyed the film, I thought that it was a little over hyped. There were a few things that I felt were a little to convenient, like a Physics teacher being included in a battle of the top 16 fighters in the world. I understand that it was for the betterment of the story, but it just didn't sit right with me. I also felt Jennifer Morrison's character was underutilized and could have been a bit more developed. Warrior is a movie that guys will like for the fights; the idea of a Sparta style tournament in MMA is good one, and one that many fans would enjoy. Woman will like Warrior for entirely different reasons; such as the story itself that builds up to the finale. Although Warrior was marketed as a "guy" movie, it's definitely one that both men and women can enjoy.

Grade: A visit our site at www.twodudereview.com

It's been five years since Tom Cruise had starred in a Mission: Impossible film. In those five years Cruise has made Lions for Lambs, Tropic Thunder, Valkyrie, and Knight and Day; each film successful in its own right. Cruise also made headlines with a couch-hopping declaration of love for his much younger girlfriend, Katie Holmes, on the Oprah Winfrey show. Although Mission: Impossible was a successful franchise, expectations for Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol weren't high.

Brad Bird, known for Pixar's Ratatouille and The Incredibles, was Director on Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, his first live-action film. Surprisingly, the transition from animation to live-action was an easy one; Ghost Protocol was an extremely well made film. Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec, both writers with a proved record of producing quality scripts for television, wrote a fantastic screenplay for the film. The storyline isn't necessarily original; I mean how many different ways can you expect terrorist to do what they do? However, its how the story is delivered that makes it work so well. There's nothing difficult for a viewer to follow or understand. The film is paced by the many high octane action sequences, as well as the elevated level of energy displayed by the characters. Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, performs most, if not all, of his own stunts, and is at the top of his game. One scene takes place in the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, which is located in Dubai, and is intense; but when you realize that Cruise did not use a stunt double for the sequence, it gives you an all new appreciation for the man and his abilities. Simon Pegg returns as Benji, and adds light humor without turning the movie into a mockery. Jeremy Renner, who was rumored to be taking over the franchise from Cruise, is a welcome addition to the IMF team as William Brandt. Renner continues a run of brilliant performances, which began with his Oscar nominated performance in The Hurt Locker, followed by another Oscar nomination for The Town. I think Renner is extremely talented, however I wonder about his being involved in too many franchises as he's been cast as Hawkeye in the upcoming The Avengers, as well as appearing in the forthcoming The Bourne Legacy currently filming. Paula Patton makes her Mission: Impossible debut as Jane Carter. Patton does a fine job, and holds her own alongside such experienced actors. The only disappointment for me, was that Ving Rhames, who appeared as Luther Stickell in the prior three films, only makes a short cameo.

Tom Cruise has re-established himself as an action hero and shown he is capable of moving the franchise forward; no passing of the baton is necessary. Brad Bird has put himself in position to be a well sought out Director, and deservingly so. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is not only a welcome addition to the series, but may just be the best of them. If you like well constructed action sequences, stunt work impressively choreographed, and an all around fun film to enjoy; then make seeing Ghost Protocol, mission possible.

Grade: A

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As I have said many times before, when reviewing a family movie, I look at it from a variety of perspectives; first, is it appropriate for my three kids? Second, are I and my kids being entertained? And finally, is there a decent storyline?

The Muppets stars Jason Segel, co-star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and the hit T.V. Series How I Met Your Mother. Segal, a long time fan that had grown up watching The Muppets, only to see them face into obscurity, co-wrote the screenplay for the film. I applaud him for his genuine love of the characters and the care he took in bringing them into the present. The Muppets is a truly entertaining movie! I'm glad that I had an opportunity to take my kids to see something that I had grown up on and how enjoyable it was to me. As I go on a tangent, without spoiling the movie; The Muppets popularity shrunk as animation grew and the human element of children's entertainment was lost. If you are looking for CGI and crazy animation this isn't the movie for you or your children. If you are looking for a movie that won't over stimulate for your kids and is easy enough for them to understand, than this is the movie to take them.

What stands out most about The Muppets is that the movie embraces what the Muppets were and what their current perception is; and again for that I applaud them. As you watch the film it is very clear that this is the message that is the underlying theme of the film. This film is funny and touching in true Muppet form, all of the characters are touched upon and the movie flows well with a great deal of cameos. It is long enough that my 6 year old wasn't antsy and my 10 year old understood it and laughed along without thinking it was a baby movie.

I am glad that the Muppets are back and I wouldn't be surprised if there is another one made soon. To me if you loved the Muppets as a kid this is a must see.

Family Movie Grade: A+

Is it Worth the Price of a Rental: Yes

Would I watch It Again: Yes

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In 2005, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the first book in Swedish journalist and writer Stieg Larsson's "Millennium Series", was published; unfortunately, Larsson died without ever having the opportunity to see his books published, let alone how popular they would go on to become. The novel went on to become a worldwide best seller, as did the two sequels: The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. As the books grew in fame, and Swedish film adaptations of the series were successful, so did the likelihood of Hollywood film version.

In order to meet the complexities within the novel, a director proved capable of handling such complexities was needed; there was no better choice than David Fincher. Fincher, whom in prior years had been nominated for Academy Awards in Directing for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Social Network, was tailor made based on previous films, such as Se7en, The Game and Zodiac. The decision to film the movie on location in Sweden was an intelligent choice, as it allowed the natural elements and locations to set the backdrop. The biggest decision Fincher made, and one that would make or break the movie, was casting choices. Daniel Craig, best known for playing the latest incarnation of James Bond, does a fantastic job as journalist/investigator Mikael Blomkvist. Craig's best attribute is his ability to play up to the strengths of his character, and with Blomkvist it's his charisma and submissiveness. Although Blomkvist is one of the central characters of the film; without question, the star is Lisbeth Salander, played by Rooney Mara. Mara gives an Academy Award worthy performance as the socially awkward Salander. Mara commands the screen in everything she does. Mara provides the character with such depth, that you sympathize with Lisbeth and understand her need to not attach herself to anyone. If an Oscar Nomination doesn't come her way, it would be disappointing. The rest of the supporting cast is also impressive; Christopher Plummer continues to get better with age, as Henrik Vanger, Stellan Skarsgård is wonderful as Martin Vanger, and Yorick van Wageningen gives one of the creepiest performances of all-time as Nils Bjurman.

No film is without flaws, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has a few. The one issue I had with the film was the opening credits; it played like a music video and was entirely unnecessary and there's one sex scene near the end of the film that wasn't needed. Aside from that, I thought the film stayed very true to a book with approx. 480 pages. With a book of that size, certain parts must be left out of the movie; I truly believe that what wasn't included, wouldn't have improved the film. Without a doubt, this film is one that merits a lot of consideration come Awards season. Rooney Mara's star has begun to blaze ever so brightly and deservedly so. The transformation into her character alone was impressive, but to look the part and be the part are two entirely different things and she was able to achieve both. David Fincher accomplished what he set out to do, to make a brutal, mysterious and brooding film and I enjoyed the end result.

Grade: A+

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As I have said before when I review a family movie I look at it in a few different ways; first is it appropriate for my three kids, second is it entertaining to me and my kids, and thirdly is there a decent storyline. In the second installment of Nanny McPhee I believe it hit on all three of my requirements. With the feel of a modern day Mary Poppins, without the music, this movie turned into an instant favorite of my kids, 2 girls and a boy. As with the first Nanny McPhee the messages written into the movie were not lost on my kids so they could again understand the transitions of the characters. Emma Thompson renewed her role as Nanny McPhee with a classic acting approach and that is what this movie needs to stay on point.

The cast of the movie has one of my favorite actresses in Maggie Smith; she delivers a part that you would expect from her in a family movie. The five children consisting of Oscar Steer, Asa Butterfield, Lil Woods, Eros Vlahos, and Rosie Taylor-Ritson share a great chemistry. It's evident right from the beginning that this is truly a bunch that needs Nanny McPhee. The pretty and natural looking Maggie Gyllenhaal plays a solid part that is miles away from the character she portrayed in Secretary. As the mother/aunt of this bunch she is not the star of the movie however she compliments the children well.

If you are looking for a lot of special effects and CGI this isn't your movie. I would say this movie is closer in style to the Disney based movies of the 60's and 70's; and I am fine with that. The movie is fun and enjoyable and a great choice for any family movie night.

Grade: B+

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