"SHREK FOREVER AFTER " (3D) 5 STARS

"Shrek Forever After: The Final Chapter" in 3-D is funny, cool, contemporary and a great heart warming story!. Shrek (Mike Myers) is faced with learning the ultimate life lesson in what's supposed to be the last story of this animated hit series. Shrek is an Ogre not in the real since of the word. He's not seen by everyone as a scary monster but has become the beloved town hero and family man.

Shrek becomes a bit overwhelmed with the day to day responsibilities of raising his family and dealing with his celebrity status which really makes him feel like his family has become a circus side show.The townsfolk aren't afraid of him, seeing him as a sort of lovable, funny mascot. He's really cherished by the people in his village but Shrek doesn't see it that way. Shrek appears to be going through a midlife crisis and wonder what life would be like if he had his old life back?

The evil trickster Rumplestillskin (Walt Dohrn) makes a deal with him that he can have that life back for a day, but he tricks him into signing a contract in which he's chosen a day when Shrek wasn't born. So Shrek gets to experience what his life would've be been like if he hadn't saved Pheona, if they didn't have children, if Donkey and Puss in Boots were not his friends. As you can imagine he begins to value and appreciate his life, his family and friends immensely when he sees what his life is like without them.

Rumpelstilskin's(Walt Dohrn) slick move makes him the King and the Ogres his slaves but Fiona (Cameron Diaz) is the fierce leader of an underground resistance that's trying to free the town's citizens and Ogres from it's tyranical ruler. Shrek has to convince Donkey that he's his best friend and convince Fiona that she's in love with him or he won't get his real life back.

There's a lot riding on Shrek (Mike Myers) making Fiona (Cameron Diaz) come around and I don't want to spoil it for you. This final chapter is worth seeing with the whole family! It inspires you to see the value in your own life and appreciate what you have instead of longing for something else.

PG 13
Animation/Comedy(3D)
5Stars

"JUST WRIGHT" 4****STARS

 "JUST WRIGHT" starring Queen Latifah as physical therapist Leslie Wright and Rapper-Actor Common as professional basketball star Scott McKnight is a refreshing take on what's really important when you're looking for real love in your life. This romantic comedy is a story that's just right for this day and age. We've all seen the drama surrounding professional athletes love lives in the real world but this film is not over the top in that way. 

It's a heartwarming story about extraordinary people trying to find real love.  In the movie McKnight (Common) can have any woman he wants and he's no different than most athletes. He thinks he wants the kind of beautiful woman that comes with that entitled lifestyle. Wright (Latifah) is different from his usual flavor, she's down to earth, no -nonsense, funny, charming and beautiful in her own right. She's looking for Mr. Right but is always overlooked because men love her company but see her as one of the guys, a good friend or buddy, not the woman they want to build a life with.  

Landing a professional athlete is an art form for her cousin Morgan Alexander (Paula Patton of "Precious") who approaches snagging a professional athlete like it's a business. Morgan is beautiful, calculating and knows how to manipulate the situation so that McKnight (Common) thinks she's the girl he doesn't want to let get away. The only problem here is that Morgan (Patton) is down for the relationship as long as the money is flowing and the starpower is off the charts. But she's really in-love with the lifestyle and will drop McKnight(Common) she never knew him if the situations changes.

Just by chance Wright (Latifah) runs into McKnight (Common) at a gas station after attending one of his games. He treats her like a fan but becomes intrigued by her natural charm and invites her to a party at his house. She of course, invites her cousin Morgan (Patton) who works her magic like a charm and the two become an item. Their perfect relationship hits a bump in the road when McKnight (Common) hurts his leg and in true goldigger form Morgan (Patton) starts pulling away. The media buzz predicting his career might be over is making Morgan (Patton) nervous so she arranges for Wright (Latifah) to be hired as his physical therapist and that's where the chemistry ignites between those two. This is Common's first role as a leading man and it's a slam dunk. 

He's beautiful to look at, charismatic, funny,and a gentleman. His character has layers, he's a man who wants Ms. Right not Ms. Right now and he believes Morgan (Patton) is the love of his life. Wright ( Latifah) has put her feelings for McKnight (Common) on the back burner because she knows he's in to her cousin Morgan. But McKnight (Common) discovers what it's like to really have a real women in his corner when Leslie (Latifah) starts helping him get his leg back in shape. This stellar cast includes former Cosby mom Phylicia Rashad who plays McKnight's mother and Pam Grier("The L Word") who plays Wright's (Latifah's) Mom and James Pickens Jr. (Grey's Anatomy) as her father.  The handsome and sexy Laz Alonzo ("AVATAR") plays a potential love interest for Wright (Latifah). 

There's also cameo appearances from a host of NBA stars including Dwayne Wade, Jalen Rose, Rajon Rondo and Bobby Simmons. You'll enjoy this romantic comedy because it's not a chick flick, men and women can relate to this movie. This is a love story told from both the man and womans' perspective. You'll have to go see "Just Wright" to find out how the story unfolds but I promise you will love it and walk away inspired!!!!

Romantic Comedy
PG
4 Stars

"IRON MAN 2" ***5 STARS**

"Iron Man 2" takes place 6 months after the original movie and the storyline is what you always hope for but never see in these action hero movies. You always wonder what the movie would be like if everyone knew the superhero's identity? In "Iron Man 2" the world knows that Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is leading a double life as a Billionare Inventor and the armored Superhero Iron Man. 

 











This movie is fun, it's hip, it's cool and it feels authentic in a style that only Robert Downey Jr. can bring. Stark's heroic accomplishments has given him such influence that he's been able to negotiate a peace treaty amongst the Superpowers of the world. His popularity skyrockets even further with the opening of the Stark Expo which showcases all the latest inventions that will benefit mankind.  While Stark (Downey) enjoys a sort of Rock Star-like status with the general public, his refusal to turn over his armor technology to the military has him at odds with the American government. The special effects are killer and even better than the first movie, but the stellar cast steals the show. 
 


Some of the standout roles include Ivan Danko (Mickey Rourke) the son of a disgraced Russian physicist who collaborated with Stark's father on the first arc reactor. Danko (Rourke) has been brought from a Russian jail to use his technology to take down Stark. Danko (Rourke) is fierce with his whip like attachments that shoot off electric currents when he cracks his whip in attack mode. 

Don Cheadle is Lt. Colonel James Rhodes, Starks' friend and part of his Superhero team complete with his own armored high tech suit. And finally Scarlett Johansson as Natalie Rushman becomes's Stark's new personal assistant after he makes Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) the CEO of Stark Industries. Rushman (Johansson ) is playing a dual role. She's fierce as undercover agent Natasha Romanoff who's fights scenes are like none of seen as she in a cool feline style reaks havoc and mayhem single handledly. She's is definitely a force to be reckoned with. 

Inspite of the backstory I've given you it doesn't even begin to paint a picture of all the interwoven stories that are going on in this sequel which include romance, and one of the characters life is ast stake and betrayal is an underlining theme on several fronts.

"Iron Man 2" is the best of the Iron Man series. It has non-stop drama, action that will keep you on the edge of your seat  and special effect that are mesmerizing. It's a must see movie that won't disappoint you. Robert Downer Jr. delivers once again!!!!
PG-13
Science Fi-Action Thriller
5 Stars

"THE LOSERS" ****4 STARS

"The Losers" based on the comic book series is an exciting action packed thriller that hooks you in until the bitter end.. It reminds you of the TV Series "The A-Team" but the odds are against this highly trained Military Special Forces unit. The deck is stacked against them when they're sent on a secret mission to attack a major Drug Lord on his compound in the Bolivian jungle. There's a last minute glitch in the assignment when 25 innocent children are unexpectedly dropped off. The special forces unit opts to save the children despite orders from their superiors to go ahead with the attack. 

These exceptional Operatives soon realize that this was a suicide mission because they are betrayed by their superiors and are left for dead. They are blamed for the botched mission and while the world thinks they are dead, they go undercover to try and come up with a plan to get revenge and clear their names.

Fans of the cast will remember the groups leader Clay (Jeffery Dean Morgan) as the dying patient who Izzy falls in love with on "Grey's Anatomy" and in the movie "Watchmen". Clay (Morgan) is charismatic with his layed back attitude and sexy smile which he uses to hide his concerns about their fate. He has a heart of gold and is fiercely loyal to his team. Clay (Morgan) also has a weakness for beautiful women. Which brings us to Aisha (Zoe Saldana Lt. Uhura - "Star Trek" and Neytiri in "Avatar" ) who's an agency operative who gives the team a chance to get back in the game, find out who tried to have them killed and clear their names.

Clay (Morgan) and Aisha (Saldana) have an intense love -hate relationship, which makes for some violent battle scenes in the style of the "Kill Bill "movies. The mysterious Aisha has her own ulterior motives for seeking out the groups help. Idris Elba (HBO's "The Wire") is the scar-faced Roque an explosive expert who's the only member that's not totally on board with the group's plan and doesn't hesitate to let them know. Chris Evans ("The Fantastic Four") is Jensen the smart aleck computer expert. The only family man in the bunch is Pooch (Columbus Short) a heavy weapons specialist and expert driver and Cougar (Oscar Jaenada) an elite sniper rounds out the group. Jason Patrick is the villain, Max a shady government official who's underestimated the group's expertise and fumbled and missed out on killing them in Bolivia. Now they're after him. This great ensemble cast has amazing chemistry.

Max's (Patrick's) performance was what you would expect from a comic book character and that's how he played it.. It was tongue and cheek, almost comedic. He looked great but it seemed as if he was joking around instead of acting. The powerful action scenes alone, make "The Losers" a must see film. It's an impossible mission which leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering if "The Losers" will ultimately win. This movie is worth seeing! You will be entertained!

PG-13
Action-Thriller
4Stars****

"THE BACK-UP PLAN" ***3 STARS

Jennifer Lopez's new movie "The Back-up Plan" is a different kind of romantic comedy. It's safe and cute and more about her wanting to be a mother than a sexy single woman looking for love. Lopez plays Zoe a pet store owner who's been dating for years and is tired of waiting for Mr. Right to come along so she can have a family. Zoe (Lopez) goes ahead with her plans to have a child through artificial insemination because she really wants to experience motherhood before it's too late. The same day Zoe (Lopez) has the procedure she bumps into the man who turns out to be the love of her life, Stan (Alex Oloughlin).  At first I didn't think  Oloughlin would be able to keep up with J-Lo's bigger than life on screen persona but he's handsome, charming and plays his role like a regular guy who just happens to meet the love of his life. Oloughlin more than holds his own, he's refreshing and believable. There is definitely good chemistry between the two. 
This movie has several hilarious scenes which kick-in when Zoe (Lopez) learns she's pregnant and starts showing the symptoms, but she's hiding it from Stan (Oloughlin) until she can figure out how to break it to him.  Once he gets a chance to absorb the idea he's fully committed to her and the situation but as the months of pregnancy progress and all the challenges that entails, it proves to be overwhelming for both of them. 
Having a baby is not easy for a married couple, let alone a couple who's trying to establish their relationship. The difference here is  that the relationship started in an unorthodox way. Zoe (Lopez) became pregnant and met her dream guy at the same time. That changed the dynamic of the film to be more about the importance of family but in a backwards kind of way. Zoe learned that when she was true to herself and her goals, love found her.
All the hilarious things that happen as they try to navigate their way through this experience will either drive them apart or prove they are meant for each other. I'll let you find out on your own but "The Back-up Plan" is a heartwarming and funny movie.

PG 13
Romantic Comedy
3Stars

"DEATH AT A FUNERAL" *****5 STARS

I have to give Chris Rock's new movie "Death at a Funeral" my highest score 5 stars! This movie is the funniest movie I've ever seen in my life. I have never gone to a film and laughed from beginning to end, yes it was that funny just non-stop laughter!!! The movie is about relatives who've come to pay their last respects to a man who was a well respected businessman in the community.

His oldest son Aaron (Rock) and his wife Michelle (Regina Hall ) live with his now deceased father and his mother Cynthia (Loretta Devine). The funeral is being held at the family home and a number of relatives and unexpected friends stop by. There's a conflict between Aaron (Rock) and his younger brother Ryan (Martin Lawrence) who's a successful author because most people expect Aaron's famous brother to do the Eulogy but (Aaron) Rock plans to do it. 

Aaron's (Rock) cousin Elaine (Zoey Saldana) shows up with her brother Jeff (Columbus Short ) a Pharmacy student and new boyfriend Oscar (James Marsden ) who's high because she gave him one of her brother's Valiums but it was really acid so he's "tripping out" at the funeral.

There's Luke Wilson's character Derek who had a fling with Elaine (Saldana) but she was never interested and still isn't but her father invited him to the funeral hoping he will break up the new couple.

There's Uncle 
Russell (Danny Glover)
who's basicaly a crabby old Geeser in a wheel- chair and Norman (Tracy Morgan) who's a long-time family friend is asked to pick him up from the nursing home . There are some hilarious scenes with these two that are so funny it made you feel like you were going to pass out from laughing so hard.

Then there's the arrival of a mysterious guest, a dwarf  Frank (Peter Dinklage) an old friend ofAaron's 


(Rock) father that no one knew about, but the nature of their relation-ship and why he's' there turns the funeral upside down. Aaron (Rock) is just trying to keep the situation from blowing up in everyone's face. I also have to mention in keeping with the title that the situation gets so out of hand that someone else may die at this funeral too.

"Death at a Funeral" does it's job as a comedy. Think about the fact that this movie is centered around a family funeral, which is usually not a funny storyline but this amazing ensemble cast delivers and the script is genius! We've all seen family members like this in our own lives so it's easy to relate to the characters. Bring your tissue because you'll have to wipe away the tears! This movie is the funniest movie of the year!

(R) Hilarious Comedy

1hr30min

5Stars*****

"The JONESES" 3 ***STARS

You've heard the saying keeping up with the Joneses. Well these very important people actually get paid to entice people to keep up with them in the new dark comedy "The Joneses"starring David Duchovny and Demi Moore. Their characters are Kate & Steve a married couple who seem to have the perfect family complete with beautiful daughter and handsome son. The Joneses give the impression they're living the "American Dream" but they're really selling it. They have just moved into this exclusive upscale community with every gadget and expensive toy imaginable. 

Their home has exquisite furniture that isn't on the market yet. They have top of the line cars, state of the art sound systems, flat screen TV's and expensive clothes and jewelry. But what the neighbors don't know is that being "The Joneses" is really their job. They are a top selling cast of salespeople, a fake family that moves to these neighborhoods pushing the latest "must have" items to their new neighbors for the marketing company they work for. Of course the neighbors who are first impressed, become envious and they absolutely have to have what "The Joneses have. There's no hard sell here the Joneses just tell them where they bought the items and of course the neighbors bite the bait. The job itself can be stressful, distancing and cold because the fake family don't know each other, they're not even friends. So on their days off they go off and do things that puts the fake family's cover at risk.
"The Joneses" is a startling eye opener. It clearly shows that when your value and self worth is based on material things you never feel like you measure up unless you have that next new thing. Some of the neighbors even spend money they don't have to keep up with the Joneses causing a whole different set of problems.

Even this fake family wants to connect in a real way because deception, as a way of life, even if it's your job, is tough to maintain. Steve (Duchovny) is attracted to Kate (Moore) who's trying to win a coveted prize by become the company's top seller. Steve (Duchovny) is tired of the fake life and wants a real relationship with Kate(Moore). Problems occur when Steve (Duchovny) becomes the top seller surpassing Kate (Moore) who's worked for years trying to reach her goal.

There's more drama in this dark comedy than there is humor it really didn't seem funny to me at all but there are some tongue in cheek humerous moments. It's hard to see it as funny because the joke is on the neighbors who believe the Joneses are real. The real impact comes from the dark message of this film: when you equate self worth with net worth you will always end up chasing a fake life and of course feeling empty inside! This movie is worth seeing it makes you see what's really valuable in life! Also look out for Kim Zolciak from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" she's an extra in the movie.

Dark Comedy

R

3***Stars