Movie Reviews By Movie Reviews Pro

Up - Edward Asner

Rating:

Movie: Up (2009)

Studio : Pixar Animation; Disney Pictures

Info : Click Here

Runtime : 96min

Website : disney.go.com/disneypictures/up

Trailer :
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8lbph

Review:

Up follows the adventure of Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Edward Asner) and Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai), as they set out on a trip around the globe in Carl’s house, which is floating thanks to thousands of helium balloons. Carl imagines this scheme after being relentlessly annoyed by construction workers for him to move, as his old house has become a bit of an eye-sore among the jungle of skyscrapers and futuristic buildings. Following a brief altercation with one of these construction workers, Carl is ordered by a judge to move into an assisted living community. Intent on keeping his home, Carl sets his plan in motion; however, he does not know that Russell, who is working for his “Assisting the Elderly” badge as part of his Boy Scout program, was on his porch when he lifted off. Together, the two embark on a wild journey to visit exotic locations as well as inadvertently forge a rather unlikely friendship.

Over the years, Pixar has been known as a powerhouse for producing comical, clean movies that are entertaining for children and adults alike, and Up is no exception. The incredible animation, aesthetically pleasing vibrancy and beautiful film score alone are worthy of positive reviews, but the compelling storyline and relatable characters make up the bulk of my praise. Up is not only a tale of adventure, but it is also a heartfelt story of undying love; this is evident in Carl’s unyielding desire to visit Paradise Falls, an exotic destination in South America that he vows to visit, as per his deceased wife’s request. This extremely realistic enterprise, coupled with flawless execution, results in a movie that is instantly relatable for viewers of all ages. Young or old, average movie-goer or film fanatic, you are absolutely guaranteed to enjoy Up.

-Daniel S.

Comedy, Family, In Theaters Comedy, disney, edward asner, Family, Up

Rating:

Movie: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)

Studio : 21 Laps Entertainment; 20th Century Fox

Info : Click Here

Runtime : 105min

Website : nightatthemuseummovie.com

Trailer :
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8626c

Review:

Battle of the Smithsonian is the sequel to the incredibly lucrative Night at the Museum, released in 2006. This movie picks up a few years after the first finished, and now Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) is the creator of his own infomercial inventions company, home to items such as a glow in the dark flashlight. After discovering that his old museum is being absorbed by the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC, Larry abandons his hectic schedule to answer a distress call from Jedediah Smith (Owen Wilson), which is one of the exhibits that have come to life. Jed and his crew are in possession of the Tablet of Akmenrah, an artifact integral to Kah Mun Rah’s (Hank Azaria) evil plot to take over the world. This relic becomes the center of battle, as both sides attempt to secure it.

Ben Stiller’s satisfactory performance is greatly overshadowed by Hank Azaria’s adept portrayal of a flamboyant Egyptian monarch hell-bent on global dominance; Amy Adams’ role of the adventurous, precocious Amelia Earhart is also superb. Several other actors have noteworthy performances as well, including Owen Wilson, Bill Hader as General Custer, and Christopher Guest as Ivan the Terrible.

Despite its remarkable special effects, a predictable storyline and ordinary comedy amass to a movie that seems to please only children, not the entire family. But for its genre, Battle of the Smithsonian most certainly delivers with a pure PG rating and sparkling clean humor that is perfectly fit for younger audiences. These factors, plus the inherent celebration of museums and history, make for a movie that is certainly worthy of a parent’s approval.

Night at the Museum – Battle of the Smithsonian opened in theaters nationwide on May 22, grossing nearly $54 million on its first weekend. It is now playing in theaters across the country.

-Daniel S.

Comedy, Family, In Theaters Ben Stiller, Comedy, Family, Night at the Museum, Night at the Museum 2, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

Observe and Report - Seth Rogen

Rating:

Movie: Observe and Report (2009)

Studio : Legendary Pictures

Info : Click Here

Runtime : 86min

Website : observe-and-report.warnerbros.com

Trailer :
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8abkm

Review:

Ronnie Barnhardt (Seth Rogen) is the head of mall security at the Forest Ridge Mall. Equipped with a taser, mace, and a plastic badge, he patrols the mall walkways with a distinct display of pride and an explosive temperament. After months of emotional suffering, Ronnie finally has a chance to be a hero and impress the girl of his dreams, Brandi (Anna Faris), after a string of indecent exposure reports perpetrated by a trench coat-toting pervert in the mall’s parking lot. However things don’t quite unfold desirably, and Ronnie finds himself in a constant battle with Detective Harrison (Ray Liotta) in the pursuit of Brandi’s attention.

The movie tries extremely hard to be funny, with forced dialogue and awkward situations, but ultimately falls quite short. Seth Rogen’s performance is yet another testament to the expiration of his brand of crude, bumbling comedy (and I use that term loosely), a style that worked a few times but has already worn-out it’s stay. Anna Faris’ portrayal of a ditzy, image-obsessed department store clerk is performed with stunning conviction, and is the perfect role for a talentless actress such as herself. Despite these major shortcomings, Ray Liotta, Patton Oswalt, and Aziz Ansari deftly deliver the only chuckle-worthy scenes during their brief appearances.

Observe and Report is an absolutely atrocious attempt at black comedy, with far too many expletives, far too much nudity, and far too little comedy. The result is an excessively disgusting movie seemingly released to target 5th graders, a demographic where hearing the F-word ten times in two minutes warrants multiple views at the theater and claims of “It was hilarious!”

– Daniel S.

Comedy, Just left Theaters Comedy, observe and report, seth rogen

Paul Blart: Mall Cop - Keven James

Rating:

Movie: Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009)

Studio: Columbia Pictures

Info: Click Here

Runtime: 91min

Website: www.paulblartmallcop.com

Trailer: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6zmv2

Review :

Paul Blart: Mall Cop was a good movie. I want to start off my saying that the movie for this trailer had really made me turn my back to this movie. But once again I ended up seeing it and completely I completely regret the fact that I didn’t want to see it before. Not to mention Kevin James is a great actor with any role he plays, and he definitely played this one up to par.

This movie really did feel like a slapstick comedy but it turned out to be more family suggested. I’d say it is definitely a great movie for kids ages 6-13! But this movie didn’t give much room for the adults to enjoy a more mature humor. I did like the beginning introduction to the movie and the entire story line; it was just some scenes I believe would’ve been better off left out of the theatrical version of the film.

Some scenes get really extensive and just flat out, isn’t funny. For example: [SPOILER ALERT] Paul’s excessive drinking scene gets really long and his dancing around on the tables wasn’t that funny. Also the statement “I don’t drink,” was overused and was not funny nor a lead to something funny.

I wish I wouldn’t have paid for the price of the movie ticket, and I don’t suggest it either. Unless you are taking children primarily to see this movie then I wouldn’t bother paying price. The movie, once again, isn’t my in my selection for purchasing the DVD unless I had a few children. A rental is definitely going to happen because I may rethink my decision, but for now I will ponder the thought of seeing this movie twice.

– Trent M.

Comedy, Family, Just left Theaters Comedy, Family, funny, kevin james, mall cop, paul blart