Thor

I almost made a complete fool of myself while watching this film. That is, I felt the overwhelming desire to kneel before the screen and spout the words, “Oh, Thor mighty god of thunder!"  Lucky for me, I subdued the urge and I sat back and enjoyed the film in silence.

Thor provided me with just the escape I needed.  I got caught up in the action and special effects.  The film was reminiscent of the 1980s Flash Gordon movie.  (I was swept away by this film as well.)

Recommendation: Go see this movie in the theater today. If not, take it home as your 1st DVD pick.

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgård, Colm Feore, Ray Stevenson, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings

Hanna

Hanna was a little odd.  At first there was no real plot. The film appeared to be another shoot 'em up film. 

It was like Keith David was in my head saying, “I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, we've got us another crazy [little girl] here with a gun.”

Then, the film feigned significance. Hanna appeared to unveil a grand conspiracy.  Towards the end of the film, however, I think the writers forgot the plot.

I could not tell where it was all going; I left the theater thinking “what now?

I know what now…

Recommendation: I suggest that you do not go see Hanna in the theater. Instead, take it home as your 3rd DVD pick.

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett

Tao of the Golden Mask

I was completely taken in by Tao of the Golden Mask. I thought I was watching a legitimate documentary. As it turns out, I was watching a not so humorous comedy.  Outside of laughing at my own gullibility, this film was not very funny.

Recommendation: Leave Tao of the Golden Mask on the shelf!

Starring: Faizon Love, Robert Townsend, Jackeline Olivier, Jessica Anderson, Stacey Annette, Catherine Fitzlanders, Nolan Harvey, William Luke, Jude Pago, Eric Ruff, Summer E. Sinclair, Leon Spinks, Lloyd Williams

MI-5

MI-5 must be the most intelligent show on television!  I keep getting pulled into this drama every time I watch an episode.  Espionage, undercover agents, and Her Majesty's secret service have come together to create a formidable addiction.

Recommendation: If you like action and intrigue make this your 1st DVD pick.

Starring: Matthew MacFadyen, Keeley Hawes, David Oyelowo, Jenny Agutter, and Peter Firth

Battle: Los Angeles

This is one the best military films I’ve seen in a long time.  Notwithstanding, the enemy was from outer space.

The fact that the enemy was extraterrestrial was immaterial to the film. This film was about the comradely between soldiers and it showed us snippets of their lives.  It seemed very real.

Note though, there are a few scenes where “they” will try to evoke some emotional responses from the audience, but do not give in!!!!!!!!!

Recommendation:  That being said, go see this movie in the theater.  If you cannot, take it home as your 1st DVD pick.

Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ne-Yo

The Adjustment Bureau

If you are looking for a love story to see with your significant other, The Adjustment Bureau is a great choice. Do not, however, allow yourself to think the film is all about love. There is a surprise. It’s a motivational film. It is about having the courage to create a path for yourself.

Do not worry.  They explain the whole concept at the end.

This film is not a Tony Robbins personal coaching video, but it felt like one. Hahaha…

Recommendation: Go see this movie in the theater today. If not, take it home as your 1st DVD pick.

Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie

Irréversible

You have to be a really open minded person to watch Irréversible.  It deals with sadomasochism, (conversations on) incest, and rape. (The rape scene seems to last for 45 minutes.)

Please DO NOT assume you will have time to brace yourself for the uneasy parts.  The film jumps right into force!

Recommendation: If you are an open minded person, make this film your 3rd DVD pick. Otherwise, leave it on the shelf.

Starring: Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, Albert Dupontel, Philippe Nahon, Jo Prestia

Note: This film is in French.

Unknown

Unknown was a good film; however, I could not help thinking that I have seen this film before. Oh, yeah! I got it! If you change the time to the future, change the planet to Mars, and make the main actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, you have the movie Total Recall.

Although the film is not as action packed as Total Recall, there is more than enough intrigue and drama to keep you entertained. Therefore, there is no need for you to despair.

Recommendation: Go see this movie in the theater or take it home as your 1st DVD pick.

Starring: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn, Bruno Ganz, Frank Langella

Anatomie de L'Enfer

I do not think I was the intended audience for this film. In fact, I should have saved myself some time and taken heed to the film’s title, Anatomy of Hell (translation). If there was some artistic value in the film I think I missed it. It just seemed like a high budget adult film (pornography).

Recommendation: If you are inclined to watch such films, take Anatomie de L'Enfer home as your 3rd DVD pick.

Starring: Amira Casar, Rocco Siffredi, Alexandre Belin, Manuel Taglang, Jacques Monge, Catherine Breillat

Note: This film is in French.