Toy Story 3...Going Down in History!

I just knew that the minute they had announced that there would be a Toy Story 3 that it would be a hitmaker!! And within one day it would hit major box-office numbers ($40 million). After watching I can definitely understand why.

This is definitely the best Toy Story yet without a shadow of doubt. After seeing the first two I was not sure if  they'd be able to keep the magic going but this story is extremely clever and wonderfully animated. From beginning to end you can't help but smile from ear to ear. There is so much charm and wit that the story is priceless. Everything from the plot to the characters to the animation are incredible. (After seeing Barbie and Ken you will have a whole new perspective for the Mattell(R) dolls.) This is not your average cartoon/animation film, as a matter of fact its a step above, put it like this if you have seen UP then you will get another treat with this one.

What's so powerful about Toy Story 3 are how the themes are placed throughout the movie. Such themes as loss and the search & fight for things that are worthwhile. It also emphasizes the bonds of friendship and courage, (while at the same time tackling how the lack thereof in abandonment and the feeling of tremendous loss), can someone turn into a bitter soul. By adding these themes it allowed for the film to take on a tragic, darker consequences unseen in the earlier installments, while balancing the light hearted moments.

We get to grow with the familiar characters a little more, while having new ones which are just as fun. Its always refreshing when a movie can maintain its originality but at the same time introduce new and lively features. The fact that they added new characters added new humor, in addition to supporting the old cast (some of whom are reinvented in their own ways). Without a shadow of doubt the animation is better than ever, the folks over at Pixar are constantly pushing the limits, but when you think about it its kinda of natural for them.

Toy Story is a beloved franchise that almost everyone that I know in my circle adores the first two films. And without a doubt will probably enjoy the third. Be prepared  to have your tissue box ready!! This movie has great potential of becoming the First Animated Film to win Best Picture, or at least get a nomination. There is something classic about the Toy Story series, it brings plenty of childish humor for the kids and a great deal of character humor for any other adult viewer.

Grade: 3.5 out of 4 stars

Breaking Trailer News Alert: "Stomp the Yard Homecoming"

Three years after Stomp the Yard shook up theaters and became a bonafide hit, a sequel is finally on the way. Like its predecessor, Stomp the Yard: Homecoming centers on a student at Truth University (Collins Pennie),who must overcome personal obstacles to win the national step-up title. 

And like the first one, which featured appearances by hip-hop luminary Ne-Yo, this one brings aboard another big-name rapper in David Banner. Actors Columbus Short, Keith David, Pooch Hall, Kiely Williams and "So You Think You Can Dance" contestant "tWitch" also appear.

It's a straight to DVD movie, but that's all good! "Stomp the Yard: Homecoming" hits DVD and Blu-ray on September 21. Check out the exclusive trailer premiere below!

The Karate Kid...It Kicks Butt!!

Now here is a movie that I was originally on the fence with, I was not too sure how it was going to turn out, but to my surprise I was quite impressed. This is the type of movie that can make you appreciate the original one. The Karate Kid basically duplicates everything from the original 80's movies only better. In a sense with this one they step it up a few notches. I like the fact that the main character Dre (played by Jaden Smith) is under the age of 13. I say this because the age that he is in the movie (age 10) this is when children are impressionable and are beginning to make their own decisions consciously. Even the storyline is much more realistic, which enables the audience to really be able to relate.

As much as I hate to say it, Jaden Smith proves with this role that he plans to be in the business for a long time. One could almost say that his parents,Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have pretty much created a natural. In addition to the great acting of Smith, Jackie Chan who plays his teacher Mr. Han does a great job if adding a new flair. Both characters have a great chemistry that mold into a wonderful film.With Chan in this role we still get the authenticity of a master teaching his pupil, but there is a bit of youth exhibited with the newer version. It even begs the question who knew that Jackie Chan could really act?

There is a slight weakness in that some of the storylines are a little underdeveloped and one is left to assume. For example, it is never really explained why the bullies gang up on him, we are left to assume that because he is the new kid and he talks to "the star girl". Another is that of role of Dre's mother (played by Tariji P. Henson) you know that she has to move to China for her job, but we really don't know why? And then a final one, I will not spoil the scene, but just mention that an alternate twist of this scene may have been better (towards the end). Even amidst the small weaknesses, the movie warrants a great and enjoyable film, with a true protagnonist and a strong charater arc.

I will be honest this movie was a little more authentic than the original, which helped it to outshine other similar themed movies. The extended scenes of life in China really help to ground this film in the philosophical realm, even more so than the original. There is a richness and texture to everything that takes place against the backdrop of China. It has an even more "fish out of water" feel that lends to the believability and desperation of Smith's character. As far as a remake is concerned, it does a fantastic job of standing on it's own two feet. You can tell that the goal of this movie was to make a modern day karate kid.All in all, if Mr. Miyagi was still living he would definitely be proud on so many levels!


Take your kids, your friends, young or old, its perfect for everyone! Trust me this is a movie with a clear and direct message!

Grade: 3 and 1/2 out of 4 stars

Friday Releases 6/18/2010

Here is your Friday Line-Up...

Toy Story 3 (G): 

Woody, Buzz and the rest of the toys wind up at a day care center after Andy leaves for college.

Cyrus (R): 

A man (John C. Reilly) becomes locked in a battle of wills with his new lover's 21-year-old son. 

I Am Love (R):  

A woman (Tilda Swinton) has a liberating affair with her son's business partner. 

Jonah Hex (PG-13): 

A supernatural gunslinger (Josh Brolin) faces an old enemy who plans to unleash hell on Earth. 

8: The Mormon Proposition (R): 

A history reveals the Mormon Church's stance against the rights of those who are not heterosexual. 

Raavan (NR):  

A bandit leader kidnaps the wife of the policeman who killed his sister, but later falls in love with her.

Let It Rain (NR):  

A writer-turned-politician (Agnès Jaoui) agrees to take part in a documentary. 

The Hole (NR): 

Two brothers find a hole in the basement that leads to their darkest fears and nightmares. 

The Killer Inside Me (NR): 

An encounter with an aggressive prostitute brings a lawman's homicidal tendencies to the surface.

Enjoy! And have a great weekend!

Weekly Trailer Updates 6/16/2010

Morning Glory

In theaters November 12th, 2010

Lottery Ticket

In theaters August 20th, 2010

The Expendables

In theaters August 13th, 2010

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

In theaters July 16th, 2010

Tangled

In theaters November 24th, 2010

Alpha and Omega

In theaters October 1st, 2010

Legend of the Guardians

In theaters September 24th, 2010

Flipped

In theaters August 6th, 2010

DVD Releases 6/15/2010

Check out this week's dvd releases:

The Book of Eli (R)

Youth in Revolt (R)

When in Rome (PG-13)

What's your pick?

A-Team

Let me first start out by saying I was an avid watcher of the 80's sitcom 'The A-Team' (and even watch the reruns now too...lol). So I was a little anxious and nervous at the same time see it come to the big screen. Not every sitcom needs to be remade into a movie (and those culprits know who they are). It's a classic 80's show with a modern twist.

From the very beginning to end you are engaged in the movie whether you are laughing or whether you are getting blown right out of your seat. But when I think about it, I wouldn't expect anything less considering Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces') directed it. There is constant action, loads of humor, and an easy plot to follow.

The A-Team, against all odds, is an extremely entertaining film and perfect for this summer's line-up. It puts pedal to metal about 90 seconds in and never lets up. The reincarnation by the hands of Carnahan however, avoids many of the pitfalls that the outdated format has to offer. For one, the director has brought the well known premise of the series to the present. Vietnam has been replaced by Iraq and the bad attitude of Bosco Baracus is not the only thing that makes the foursome dangerous: the happy-go-lucky stance of a team that rarely asked for enemy casualties has been replaced by an attitude that better suits a group of elite soldiers.

The actors were darn-near perfect in my opinion, one did not really outshine the other, although if I had to pick a fave it would be Murdock (played by Sharlto Copley). I think all the original characters would be proud of this movie, despite the speculation and rumors otherwise. Liam Neeson as 'Hannibal' was ideal, he has the charm, the experience, and charisma to carry this role in perfect fashion. Bradley Cooper as "Face", they could not have gotten a better person. this guy has moved himself up the acting ranks, and with this role he made you fall for him (the ladies that is...). And as mentioned Sharlto Copley as Murdock, well just see the movie and it will speak for itself. Priceless! Now we can't forget  Bosco "B.A." Baracus (played by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson), now no one can replace Mr.T, but a valiant effort was definitely shown.  Each of their performance seemed effortless, it was like the roles came natural to them which is what a viewer wants to see.

Now the plot, pretty much continuously serves up excess action – equally incredible and entertaining – but yields more than a whipped episode of the series stretched to a playing time of two hours. You could say the plot is kind of a cross section of the five years the series ran, if you omit the recurring missions the mercenaries entered into. Put it like this "I love it when a plan comes together"...

The key to making a great remake is still keeping the authenticity, but at the same time giving the audience a little something extra. And that is what this movie did! Without giving away any spoilers, any expectations of details will pretty much be revealed, you will not be disappointed!

It's hard to recreate a classic, but they did a darn good job. Invite your friends! The show was done justice, and it will definitely introduce a younger generation to a great show.  I just might go see it again!

Grade: 3 1/2 out of 4 stars