Arthur - PG13

I don't remember the original Arthur well enough to make any interesting comparisons, but when I view remakes I make it a point to avoid comparisons in general because if I really liked the original, chances are the remake will fall short in some important way. If the remake is the same as the original, there's really no valid reason to redo it.

Anyways, the movie was good. I belly laughed a couple times, which is unusual for me in most comedies. I didn't notice many low brow moments, which is atypical for the standard comedy. There was alot of dry British humor with an Oscar Wilde flavor, which I particularly enjoy. I didn't really care about the characters and the plot was mundane, but the movie was entertaining as is its purpose.

I give this movie 6 out of 10.

If you like comedies it's worth watching in the theater, but there was no wasn't any special sights or sounds in the movie that require it.

The Conspirator - PG13

I'm a little torn about this movie. It wasn't entertainment for it's own sake, but is was engaging, with substance, and moving at times. The movie was able to tug at my emotions and beliefs in a way that while I really didn't care what happened to the characters, I was moved when the movie wanted me to be. The movie was a little slow at times, necessarily deliberate for the purpose of relaying its message. I would have been just as happy to watch this movie on DVD because there was very little action and was not visually stunning.

On a scale of 0-10, I give this movie a 6.

I say it's worth watching on DVD.

Your Highness - R

Let me preface this review by saying that I don't consider myself to be an expert on comedy movies. Most of them seem to me to be mechanical regurgitations of the same material. I do enjoy laughing, but my movie humor standards are probably abnormal. After seeing this movie, I'm a little embarrassed to admit it. It was poor judgement on my part. I didn't find the movie particularly funny, though there were a couple funny moments. The movie was full of sexual humor and nudity and was not uplifting for me.

I give the movie 1 out of 10.

I don't recommend it for theater or DVD viewing.

Hanna - PG13

I was pleasantly surprised by the edgy style of this movie. I enjoyed the music, choreography, and camera shots of the action sequences, of which there were to few. Whenever you have an action movie without action you are left with character development, which they performed adequately. Eric Bana did good as usual. The girl who played the lead as Hanna did quite well. I was impressed with the build up of the movie, but was left wanting more substance and intensity by the last half.

I give this movie 6.5 out of 10.

I enjoyed watching it in the theater, but it would have been just as good on DVD.

Limitless - PG13

I enjoyed this movie for it's suspense and it's overall tone. There weren't any points of innovation or spectacular originality, but it was accomplished for purposes of immersion. The movie made me identify with the protagonist and I wanted him to prevail. I really enjoyed the accelerated fishbowl shots of NYC sidewalks.

I give this movie 6.9 out of 10. I think it was worth watching in the theater. It was entertaining.

Gnomeo & Juliet 3D - PG

Many children's movies have reached the point that they are entertaining and engaging even for parents. However, this film falls short in both respects. The plot wasn't captivating; the graphics weren't anything special, and the movie wasn't especially funny. As far as the 3D content is concerned, as is with most 3D movies I've attended, didn't really add anything to the movie.

I give it a 3 out of 10.

This movie is DVD worthy for the kids, but that's about it.

Battle: Los Angeles - PG13

For some morbid reason I really enjoy apocalyptic movies and this was a good one. I've been disappointed with many in this genre lately, but this one was entertaining and believable. I enjoyed the military mobilization scenes, and the action, seemed for the most part gritty and natural, without any over the top spilled guts shots. Aaron Eckhart's performance was solid as usual. He is a good example of a contemporary action star, that has both a tough look and acting talent.

I give this movie a 7.2 out of 10. It's worth watching in the theater, and I wouldn't mind watching it again when it comes out on DVD.