"CHARLIE ST. CLOUD" ****4 STARS

"Charlie St. Cloud" is a touching love story about a young man played by teen idol Zac Efron who's devastated by the death of his little brother Sam (Charlie Tahan).  Charlie (Efron) shuts down, puts his life and love of sailing on hold and lives and works as a caretaker at a graveyard where his little brother is buried. He's so overcome with grief that he sees his brother's ghost, and promises never to leave him. Charlie (Efron) keeps their bond alive by meeting him everyday to play catch and talk.

You see a more serious side of Efron in this romantic drama. He's flexing some serious acting chops, trying to move from teen heart-throb to leading man status and it works. This role is challenging because Efron's character is at a dark point in his life. It's not glamourous, or sexy to see him struggling with this kind of loss. He's given up his life, his love of sailing, and his plans for college because he doesn't want to leave his brother.  

Despite his self imposed isolation love breaks through and finds a way into his life when Charlie (Efron) falls for Tess (Amanda Crew) an old  high school classmate who's also a champion sailor. Charlie has to decide if he's willing to start living again and open his heart to love, or if he's ready to  give up his promise to his brother.  "Charlie St. Cloud" is a romantic drama infused with a little fantasy. Elements of this movie reminds me of three of my favorite films:"Ghost","The Sixth Sense"and "Field of Dreams". 

Charlie Tahan steals the show as Sam, Charlie's (Efron's) little brother. He worships the ground his big brother walks on, and Charlie treats him like a loving, protective father. The two are inseparable. Tess (Amanda Crew) is vulnerable, yet strong, quirky and cute as Charlie's (Efron's) love interest. She's also his female counterpart in the sport of sailing, and that's what draws them to each other. Their romantic relationship grows and develops in an unusual way and that's all I'm going to say about it because I don't want to spoil the amazing journey you're about to experience. This is a great transition film for Zac Efron setting the stage for more adult roles. "Charlie St. Cloud" is an inspiring movie that will tug at your heart strings. 

PG 13
Romantic/Drama/Fantasy
4 Stars
Universal Pictures
Cast: Zac Efron, Charlie Tehan, Amanda Crew

"SALT" ***5 STARS**

"SALT" starring Angelina Jolie breaks new ground as a film featuring the most powerful woman I've ever seen depicted on screen. Jolie has said she'd rather be "James Bond" than a Bond girl and she delivers, even surpasses what we've seen from her male counterparts in other movies. In fact Jolie's character makes "James Bond",the ultimate film Spy look like a rookie. I can honestly say I have never seen a womans' strength and power displayed so believably on screen. Jolie's portrayal of Salt  puts "Wonderwoman", "Supergirl" and any other female power house to shame. 

In the lead role Jolie is CIA agent Evelyn Salt.   She plays this character like a man and even though she's obviously beautiful, you don't think about it because she gives you so much more. Forget about the way female spies are usually portrayed in movies, using their beauty, looks and sex appeal as their primary strategy for infiltrating the enemies lair, that's not the case here. Salt/Jolie is just the opposite. Her physical prowess, instincts and intelligence enables her to use anything at her disposal to stay alive and escape an army of enemies who are hunting her down. 

Salt/Jolie does lots of  dangerous stunts that will shock you and leave you with your mouth hanging open. One minute she's a damsel in distress. The next minute she's jumping off freeways onto moving tanker's and trucks running for her life. Then later she's fighting like a man taking everyone out in her path. In a word she is fearless! I've never seen a female character go to such lengths and be able to effectively make you believe she's this cold blooded, and dangerous.  

Here's the thing. The movie can be confusing because the storyline makes it hard to figure out  which side Salt/Jolie is on.  A Russian defector accuses her of being a Russian Spy which forces her to go on the run in an effort to prove otherwise. She brilliantly displays her training and expertise as a covert operative which helps her avoid being captured. Her goal is to prove she's innocent but some of her actions are questionable which casts doubt amongst her colleagues about which side she's on? 

 That's what you'll be asking yourself over and over again while watching this intriguing and exciting movie...Who is Salt?  Who is this powerful woman?

Is she a Russian Spy or a brilliant double agent?

This movie goes through several stunning twists and turns that would be hard for even your sharpest male Spy to pull off.  This movie is must see entertainment! Angelina Jolie is the reason why! 

5 Stars*****

(PG-13) Action-Thriller

Columbia Pictures

Cast: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, 

Chiwetel Ejiofor

 

" RAMONA and BEEZUS" *****5 STARS

"Ramona and Beezus" is delightful, funny and authentic! You walk away from this movie feeling good about how resiliant children are and how they're often able to deal with life's challenges with such postivity and love that it inspires the whole family to do the same. Newcomer Joey King who plays Ramona carries this film effortlessly. Ramona (King) is definitely the Shirley Temple of  our time, her natural talent is exceptional.

Her high-octane energy, quirky nature, comedic timing and loveable demeanor is what makes this film an absolute joy to watch.  Ramona (King) is 10 going on 35 she has a vivid imagination and the best intentions but being accident prone gets in the way.  She comes off like the bumbling black sheep of the family but she's really it's heart, a hero of sorts because she has the courage to be who she is, mistakes and all. When Ramona (King) learns her Dad (John Corbett) has lost his job, she's worried that her family will lose their home and she sets out to do everything she can to prevent that from happening. Her mom (Bridgett Moynahan) has to go back to work and of course the family's economic situation puts a strain on their relationship because her Dad (Corbett) has trouble finding a job.

Ramona loves her beautiful teenage sister Beezus (Selena Gomez) who's struggling with fitting in and finding her place in the world while dealing with developing romantic feelings for her male best friend whom she's known since they were little.  Ramona (King) is also enamored with her Aunt Bea (Ginnifer Goodwin) who's charming, beautiful and hopelessly in love with her ex-boyfriend Josh Duhamel. This is the last hoorah for their on-again, off again romance. Everything Ramona attempts seems to fail or get screwed up in some way. Ramona's plans to rescue her family consistently causes problems for her by making her look foolish but I have to admit a childs' love always comes through and in this case Ramona (King)  inspires her family to recognize what's really important in life. Sometimes challenges can open the doorway to our dreams and Ramona knows that and goes for it, not concerned or even worried about wether she's going to fail or how silly it might make her look. She's in it to win it!

That's what makes her so adorable and fun to watch. This film is based on several best-selling books about "The Adventures of Ramona Quimby" by Beverly Cleary. It truly captures how life's challenges looks from a child's perspective and how it's so important for them to contribute and be heard. "Ramona and Beezus" makes us realize that children inspire us and bring more to the table than adults are willing to give them credit for. You don't want to miss this film!!! It's worth seeing just to check out the unforgettable Joey King (Ramona)!

20th Century Fox
5 Stars (G) Family/Comedy
Cast: Joey King, Selena Gomez,
Ginnifer Goodwin, Sandra Oh,
John Corbett, Josh Duhamel
Director: Elizabeth Allen

"THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE" 4****STARS

"THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE" is a really cool take on a classic Disney story. It's a modern take on a classic Disney story about a sorcerer and his awkward young apprentice who's reluctant to take on his new role, but has to step up to the plate after the two get caught up in some serious drama that forces them into a battle against some evil forces that are dead set on taking over the world. 

NICHOLAS CAGE is Balthazar Blake a master sorcerer in current-day Manhattan who's trying to defend the city from his arch-ememy, Maxim Horvath (ALFRED MOLINA). Balthazar needs some help to accomplish his mission so he enlists the aid of  Dave Stutler (JAY BARUCHEL) a college student who's kind of nerdy but very intelligent who loves physics. He has some extraordinary hidden talents that he hasn't even fully come to terms with yet but by design, makes him destined to be Balthazar's protege. They don't have much time, so the sorcerer is forced to bring his apprentice up to speed with a crash course in the school of wizardy and magic.

Stutler is distracted by several things including a budding romance with a young woman but he has to calm his fears, survive his training and with the sorcerer's help save the city from the evil forces of darkness. What I love about this film is the pairing of Nicholas Cage and Jay Baruchel. Their characters are complete opposites. Cage plays Balthazar with a cool fearless swagger that really makes you take him seriously but he also gives you that dry tongue and cheek humor we're used to seeing in all his characters. Baruchal is brilliant as the apprentice. He's the quintessential bumbling, fumbling idiot but he's lovable and you know he's a good kid who's conflicted by his special mystical powers, which he's never understood and and for the most part ignored. 

We're essentially watching him grow into his destiny and it's fun to watch. The special effects are top of the line on an epic scale but you would expect no less from Detroit's own mega hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer. This is a really cool adventure. You'll have some fun, you'll laugh and be inspired by this quirky kid who proves that you don't have to be a muscle bound athlete to be a hero. Even the most unlikely people can step up to the plate and save the day and when you see this movie you'll root for this unlikely duo to do just that!

Walt Disney Studios (PG)

Cast: Nicholas Cage, Alfred Molina,

Jay Baruchel

Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer

Comedy/Adventure

4 Stars

"PREDATORS" 4 ****Stars

"PREDATORS" gives new meaning to the phrase survival of the fittest and takes this concept to an unimaginable level. This new chapter in the "Predator" film series takes a group of elite warriors on an impossible mission. Imagine being kidnapped and dropped from a plane into an mysterious jungle with no clue as to why they were kidnapped and brought to this desolate place? 

This group includes a mercenary Adrian Brody and a group of cold blooded killers from around the world who quickly realize they've become the hunted. They join forces to help each other stay alive and hopefully find a way to escape.They are being hunted by alien Predators who are using all sorts of sophisticated booby traps and vicious alien animals in a deadly hunting game that's designed to kill them for sport . It's an impossible situation because the aliens have major advantages that include cloaking mechanisms which makes them invisible and hi-tech laser weapons that are more powerful than the hunted crews high powered guns and explosives. This deadly sport is happening in what appears to be a rain forest like jungle, but this crew of hunted prey discovers they are on another planet so escaping is impossible! These highly trained warriors are no joke! They give their highly evolved alien Predators a serious run for their money.

Adrian Brody is Royce a mercenary and self imposed leader of this fearless group of killers. Brody has actually been transformed into a believable tough guy complete with six pack and muscles. The group's lone woman is Isabelle (Alice Braga) a beautiful expert sharp shooter who knows who these aliens are and what they're capable of. Topher Grace is Edwin a clean cut, good samaritan looking, Physician who was dropped off on the planet with no weapons. You almost feel like they made a mistake and dropped Edwin (Grace) into a situation where he's in over his head, but as the film progresses you'll discover what he's all about. Laurence Fishburne as Noland adds an interesting dynamic to this deadly situation.

Noland (Fishburne) is layed back,quirky and happens to be the lone survivor of previous games. He makes an effort to help the group by offering food and shelter and bringing them up to speed about what they're up against.This group was chosen by the Predators for a reason. Isabelle (Braga) sums it up when she says: "We are Predators just like them the worst of our kind."

This is  definitely a man's movie! It's frightening, with non-stop violence, and it's one of those films where the situation seems hopeless because by all acounts these humans appear to be in a no win situation but is it? You judge for yourself! This movie does it's job. It's a terrifying adventure that will have you on pins-and needles wondering if these humans will survive the Predators deadly game!
20th Century Fox (R)
Cast: Adrian Brody, Laurence Fishburne,
Topher Grace, and Alice Braga
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Sci Fi/Thriller/Action
4 Stars.

"DESPICABLE ME" 4 ****Stars

Even the most despicable characters long for the love of family, and they sometimes don't realize that's all they need to change their lives for the better! That's the underlying theme of the animated comedy "Despicable Me" which stars Steve Carell as the voice of Gru one of the most evil villains of all time.

His dark ominous home sits nestled in a nice quiet suburban community. Gru (Carell) is an odd fellow that's more than a little off beat. He loves to do wicked things, like playing funny tricks on kids that makes them cry or using his arsenal of shrink rays and freeze rays to stop people in their tracks so he can, for example,  cut in line and get his coffee before anyone else. But he's very serious about maintaining his street credibility when he learns that his rival Vector (Jason Segel) has stolen the great pyramid and left an inflatable version.

Gru (Carell) won't be outdone so he concocts a plan to steal a shrinking ray gun from his rival Vector (Segal) so he can upstage him by commiting the greatest heist of all time, stealing the moon! Gru(Carell) is assisted by his partner in crime Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) and his cute yellow minons who help him do his bidding.

He's clearly trying to get his mother's (Julie Andrews)  approval with all of his antics. All of Gru's attempts to impress her has fallen on deaf ears and of course it hurts but he presses on. 3 little orphan girls will change all that for Gru...he meets them when they show up on his door selling girl scout cookies and decides to adopt them temporarily to use as a distraction to gain access to his rival Vector's home.  

The Girls are amazing! They treat Gru (Carell) like a father and they expect him to love them back. You will be mesmirized and in awe of little Agnes the baby of the group (voiced by Elsie Fisher.) Agnes (Fisher) steals the show in every sceen with those huge big doe eyes that will melt your heart.  The action scenes featuring Gru (Carell) and his nemesis Vector (Segel) wreaking havoc and mayhem, trying top each other's best are designed to appeal to adults and children which makes the story relatable and interesting to watch.  

The 3 orphan girls see past Gru's (Carell's) imperfections and love and appreciate him for trying to be a father and providing a home for them. Of course he had ulterior motives but he didn't expect they would fill up the emptiness in his heart! "Despicable Me" is an endearing, adorable, funny family film that will touch heart. 










The cast includes: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig and Julie Andrews.
PG-13/Universal Pictures
Comedy/Animation/3-D
4 Stars.

" THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE" 2.5 STARS

I've seen the two previous "Twilight" films and was expecting more from the"Twilight Saga:Eclipse".  It is a beautifully shot film with beautiful actors and a romantic setting but I can honestly say I am a little let down.  After seeing the 2nd film "Twilight:New Moon" I thought the romantic relationship between Edward Cullin (Robert Pattinson) and Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) would grow into a more solid and defined relationship.

Instead the drama unfolds in several different storylines. Bella(Stewart) is torn between her developing feelings for werewolf Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) and her intense love for vampire Edward (Pattinson). Edward's (Pattinson) main concern is protecting Bella (Stewart) from evil forces but he steps up his game and asks for her hand in marriage. The conflict occurs after Jacob (Lautner) finds the courage to declare his love for Bella(Stewart). 

Impressive acting chops from Jacob (Taylor Laudner) who's grown from a boyhood friend to young man who's so in love.  I believed him! You see the passion in his character where in the first two movies he was uncertain and more like a child. I know Edward (Pattinson) appears to love Bella (Stewart) but he comes off more like her protector. I believe he's enamored with her adoration for him. The love stories are safe and sweet so parents don't have to be concerned about revealing love scenes or over the top vampire blood scenes but the fight scenes are intense.  Bella (Stewart) is her usual moody, brooding self there's no arc in her character. I don't see the kind of passion coming from Bella (Stewart) that you normally see from a young woman desparately in love. Her performance has no heart, she's fierce and committed to her love for Edward but you don't see those intense feelings reflected in her acting. Bella (Stewart) is a liability to Edward (Pattinson) and the entire Cullin family as long as she's human.

The Cullins are civilized vampires living like humans and they're willing to go the distance to protect Bella (Stewart) because Edward (Pattinson) loves her. They'll have their work cut out for them due to a murderous group of  new vampires who are making their way to Forks. This threat is so severe that the Cullins clan of vampires and Jacob's family of werewolves call a truce and join forces to protect Bella (Stewart).  It's hard to see this film in the same light after having seen such exceptional stories from" The Vampire Diaries" (FOX) and "True Blood" (HBO). There is no holding back you see the passion, the thirst, the chemistry and the hold the vampire community has on it's subjects in the TV series. True die hard Vampire fans will understand what I'm talking about. Those elements are missing from the Twilight series which is safe and pales in comparison. 






This is a very "sweet" story, the PG-13 version of a vampire romancing a human girl. Twilight fans who've read the books and seen all the movies will love this film. But these same die-hard Twi-hards tell me the real juice arrives in the 4th installment of this series when Bella and Edward become an official couple!




Romantic/Drama/Thriller
PG-13
2.5 Stars

"GROWN UPS" 4 ****STARS

You'll feel like a kid again watching Adam Sandler's new movie "Grown Ups"! It's a real feel good family film where you'll literally laugh your head off! The comedic timing of these brilliant funny men is impeccable. The main casts includes Chris Rock, Kevin James, Rob Schneider, David Spade and Sandler who are childhood friends and former basketball teamates who reunite after their childhood basketball coach passes away. 

They decide to stay in town and spend the 4th of July Holiday weekend with their families reminiscing over the good old days at the lake house where they celebrated their championship victories. They haven't seen each other in decades and they've all gone on to lead very different lives. Sandler is Lenny Felder a rich Hollywood agent who's the most successful of the group. He's married to Roxanne a beautiful Fashion Designer played by Salma Hayek Pinault.

Chris Rock is house husband Kurt Mackenzie who's married to Deanne (Maya Rudolph) an executive who also happens to be pregnant. They bring along Deanne's (Rudolph) medling mother and their kids. Kevin James is Eric Lamonsoff a loving family man with a successful business and a big personality to match inspite of the fact that he's very clumsy and accident prone. Eric (Kevin James) is married to Sally (Maria Belo) who has some provocative and quirky methods for raising their 2 boys. 

Rob Schneider as Rob Hilliard is a train wreck. He brings along his live-in love  Gloria (Joyce Van Patten) who's much older, which is fuel for countless hilarious scenes and he also invites his sexy grownup looking teenage daughters to be a part of the festivities.  

David Spade who plays Marcus Higgins is a real piece of work. He's still single and looking for love but he's out of control. Higgins (Spade) drinks, is a cut up and the only one amongst his friends who has  no real responsibilities. He's the adult in the group who didn't get the memo that at some point a man grows out of his childish behavior. Growing up will change you, but these boyhood friends learn that reconnecting with each other and remembering those childhood experiences makes them all realize what's really important in life! This is one of the funniest movies of the summer season!


Comedy
PG 13
4 Stars
Columbia Pictures

KNIGHT AND DAY 4***STARS

Tom Cruise does it again! In his new film "KNIGHT and DAY" which co-stars Cameron Diaz he's found a new way to show off his charismatic acting skills and his exceptional talent for doing his own stunts. "Knight & Day" is many different stories rolled into one but the stories are so very well connected that it doesn't fragment the movie it just hooks you more into trying to figure out what's going on. 















Cruise's character Roy Miller is a highly skilled secret agent that's reportedly gone rogue but he plays his character like he's just a regular guy that happens to be caught up in a dangerous and deadly situation. Miller (Cruise) is fearless and exceptional in the action scenes. "Knight and Day" will catch audiences off guard and keep them trying to figure out what's going on? Which is the same thing his co-star Cameron Diaz's character is trying to do. June (Diaz) Haven meets Miller (Cruise) at the airport and is attracted to him. She's on her way back home to be in her sister's wedding until she meets Miller (Cruise) after that her normal life changes. 

Haven (Diaz) is an innocent victim who is  forced to go along on this crazy journey with Miller (Cruise) which takes them around the globe on the run from the CIA and a host of other villains. As the movie progresses you're really trying to figure out who the bad guys really are?  The CIA tries to paint Miller (Cruise) as a rogue secret agent who's gone to the dark side. But Miller presents himself to Haven's (Diaz's) character as an agent who's trying to help out a friend who's been taken advantage of. That's all I will say about the plot because I want you to experience the same plot twists and turns to see if you can figure out what's going on? 

Despite the serious nature of this situation there are some really funny tongue and cheek moments that allows you to witness the romance that's unfolding between the two. Diaz keeps up with Cruise every step of the way. Haven (Diaz) has a cutesy and girly demeanor but she also has an edge that shows she has the guts to get through this ordeal.  "Knight and Day" is a brilliant movie that weaves together action, violence, drama, romance and comedy. You'll think you know where the movie is going but you won't figure it out until the end, so it's really worth seeing. Great date movie!!!


PG 13
Action/Thriller/Comedy
4 Stars

"GET HIM TO THE GREEK" 3***STARS

You'll really have a good time watching the new comedy "Get Him To The Greek". This film is over the top, out of control and hilarious! This movie really spells out the crazy, bizarre lengths record company employees have to go through to cater to some of  their major artists. The  movies 3 standout comedic performances come from Russell Brand who plays British Rocker Aldous Snow, Jonah Hill who plays Record company intern Aaron Green and Record Company President Sergio Roma played by Sean "Diddy" Combs.

The storyline centers around  23-year old record company intern Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) who's hired by the company's President Sergio (Sean "Diddy"Combs) Roma to bring British Rock Star Aldous( Brand) Snow from London to L.A.'s Greek Theater to kick off his multi-million dollar tour that will revive his career and boost record sales. The only problem, Sergio (Diddy) only gives Green (Hill) 3-days to get the artist from London to LA. Snow (Brand) is a Rock Star in every since of the word. Sex, Drugs, Brawls and Rock and Roll. That's  the oddysey that newbie intern Green(Hill) has to navigate his way through, to get this obnoxious, arrogant Rock Star to L.A. in time for his first concert. Snow(Brand) is a brilliant musician with a major fan base but he becomes Green's(Hill's) worst nightmare.

Snow has other plans for his ambitious intern which include forcing him to buy his drugs, to making him take a side to trip to meet a woman he thinks he's in love with, to infiltrating his philanderous lifestyle onto the intern and his girlfriend. It's a train wreck, that's funny, and  it has all the outrageous antics that you'd expect on the Rock Star scene. As I'm sure you've guessed this mission could make or break Green's (Hill's) career. 

This assignment also threatens Green's (Hill's) relationship with his girlfriend Daphne (Elizabeth Moss) who's a medical intern. Of course she can't reach him via his cellphone because he's forced to live the "groupy" filled Rock Star life to gain Snow's (Brand's) trust.  Diddy is really playing himself but he's a little more wound up than usual and in panic mode all the time because he's turned over this 100-million dollar mission to eager beaver Green (Hill) and they're way behind schedule. This film is a rip-roaring good time but there is profanity and some raunchy scenes.
This is a little over the top for small children, but it's a really funny film for adults.

Rated: R

Comedy

3 Stars

"THE KARATE KID" 4****STARS

 I purposely chose not to watch the original "Karate Kid"movies again before I saw the remake because I wanted to see the new version with fresh eyes and I was pleasantly surprised. This is a brilliant coming of age story that teaches the lesson: you don't have to be a bully to prove you"re strong or courageous. One big difference the lead character is not a teenager he's much younger than in the original version. You don't miss it thanks to the acting chops of Jaden Smith who plays 12 year old Dre Parker. 

 There's no doubt about it the camera loves this new child star who's a natural. Smith portrays his character Dre Parker with heart, wisdom, and courage sprinkled with the angst and confusion of a young boy trying to find his way in a strange world. Dre (Smith) and his mother Sherry (Taraji Henson) Parker are forced to leave Detroit and move to China where she's landed a new job. It's an adjustment for Dre (Smith) who's homesick and trying to fit in. 

Things pick up up the bright side when he meets and falls for a classmate Mei Ying (Wenwen Han). He's also excited after seeing a Kung Fu class where he hopes he can learn from the masters. There's one problem the class bully Cheng (Zhenwei Wang) sees the relationship that's developing between the two classmates, doesn't like it and decides to put a stop to it by fighting Dre (Smith) with his exceptional Kung Fu skills. 

Dre (Smith) is no match for Cheng (Wang) and his crew who are relentless with some pretty rough fighting scenes. Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) the maintenance man steps in and saves Dre (Smith) from being brutally beaten by Cheng(Wang) and his friends. When Dre (Smith) sees Mr. Han (Chang) in action he learns that he too is a Kung Fu Master and asks him to teach him the art. Mr. Han (Chang) must train Dre (Smith) to go up against his rival Cheng(Wang) at his Kung Fu class's upcoming championship tournament. It's the only way to stop the bullies from resuming their attacks on Dre (Smith).

There's also a sidebar story about this young boy who learns that the art of Kung Fu should be used to help people not to hurt people. Jaden Smith is pushed to the limit in his first lead role and he delivers! The Smith acting dynasty continues, not to mention the fact that Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are the films Executive Producers. "The Karate Kid" also has some beautiful scenes in areas of China that you rarely get to see. This is an inspiring family film! You will be moved in ways you can't imagine!


PG
Action/Violence
4***Stars