Miss (so bad, I even forgot to write a review until I saw Doogie Howser on Celebrity Poker Showdown 12/10) – Starring John Cho, Kal Penn, and Neil Patrick Harris

The adventure begins when Kumar convinces Harold to go with him to White Castle. The boys have a night full of interesting excitement but cannot seem to find the exact location of their burger kingdom, White Castle.

I liked this movie just as much as I liked Without a Paddle, and Half Baked. The only redeeming quality of this movie was the fact that Neil Patrick Harris is playing himself. That alone makes this movie awesomely bad (as VH1 would say). Anthony Anderson provides some comic relief but overall, his cameo is not enough to carry this horrible film. I think you will actually lose a few IQ points by actually viewing this film.

Best Scene: When they finally arrive at White Castle and see Neil Patrick Harris (this doesn’t spoil anything because the movie sucks so bad).

Rated R for strong language, sexual content, drug use and some crude humor.
Comedy
Running Time: 1 hour 28 minutes

Photo © New Line Cinema. All Rights Reserved.

Hit – Starring Liev Schreiber, Denzel Washington, Meryl Steep

While Hollywood movies have many different themes, plotlines, and overall ideas, only one underlying Hollywood idea comes to mind when seeing this movie: Mothers are Evil. Obviously not all mothers are evil, but this plot twist or idea never seems to get old. The Manchurian Candidate is a haunting portrayal of brainwashing, a race for President, and the realities of post war trauma. This movie was tense from start to finish. This movie was so tense, it caused a man in the movie theatre freak out and go crazy during a very important Denzel monologue (thanks jerk, now I will not know what he said until video). It seems as though Meryl has been on hiatus for some time but, she got right back into the game like a true professional. One would assume she would be rusty coming out of the off season but Meryl’s performance as the evil mother was right on target. What I want to know is … how much older is Meryl than Liev? In reality Meryl is only 18 years older than Liev. Why didn’t the other senators pick up on this and target her for lack of judgment concerning all issues, considering she had her first child at 18 years old. I think it could be a valid issue. Anywho, I really enjoyed this movie because any movie where everyone is against one person and that person is in trouble and needs help is a must see for me. Bottom Line: This movie may make you rethink John Kerry’s three purple hearts of war. Hmm….

Best Scene: When Denzel bites Liev.

Rated R for violence and some language.
Mystery
Running Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Photo © Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Hit (best of the summer)- Starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, William Hurt, Adrien Brody, Sigourney Weaver, Judy Greer. Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan

The Village is the small settlement area of the people of Covington, who are surrounded by “those who live beyond our walls,” aka mythical creatures. These creatures keep the village in check. This movie plays like a dance. Everything is done with great intention. While the “twist” of the movie can be seen from far away, my boyfriend contests that the single Irish man living in a small village in the late 18th century seemed out of place, and hinted towards the ending. The one flaw in this movie was figuring out whether Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of Ron) was completely blind or only partially blind. In the beginning of the movie I felt as though she was only partially blind, but later we learn that she is completely void of sight. Howard carries this movie with her amazing talent and graceful performance. She is a delight to see on screen and will be a predominant movie actor in many great upcoming films. Every actor in this movie feeds off of each other to create a grand spectacle of beauty and genuine greatness. Bottom line: You have more questions than answers when you leave The Village, this movie will keep you talking for weeks. Considered first Oscar contender of the year by Hit or Miss Movies.

Best Scene: Adrian Brody’s character and Joaquin Phoenix come together in a haunting scene that will make you cringe.

Rated PG-13 for a scene of violence and frightening situations.
Suspense Thriller
Running Time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Photo © Touchstone Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Hit (but not as good as Identity) – Starring Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen

Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is still looking for his Identity and in the process people are still trying to kill him. But why? No one really knows but this action adventure takes us on a “Mister Toad’s Wild Ride.� The Bourne Supremacy is exciting. What is lacking in this movie is good cinematography. Most of the fight or chase scenes just made me want to throw up. For the final installment of the Bourne movies I pray that the producers will not use the same cinematographer. The best thing in the world is a steady cam with various angles. Let’s not get crazy with the hand held camera, this is not film school, this is a big budget movie! We know you have the money, so show us some good quality filming. I really like that The Bourne Supremacy brought in actress Joan Allen. Ever since The Contender I feel that Joan Allen is a very talented actress with a lot of acting to give. I hope to see more of her in the third installment. Matt Damon brings his character of Jason to a new level, and really gets the audience on his side by seeing the tragic end of a friend. Bottom Line: Fire your cinematographer and go see The Bourne Supremacy.

Best Scene: Anything with a still shot. Or, the final scene of the film.

Rated PG-13 for violence and intense action, and for brief language.
Action
Running Time: 2 hours

Photos © 2004 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Miss (wait, there was a target?) – Starring Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan

I, Robot is a mystery that asks the famous question, Who done it, or whodunnit? I saw this movie in La Canada which is a suburb of Los Angeles that stems dangerously close to JPL (or Jet Propulsion Lab). Therefore, everyone who went to see this movie was a computer nerd who wanted to see cool robots blow up things and take over the world.

In some respects I feel that this movie was solely made to be a giant product placement commercial. How many products can one movie try to solicit in the first few moments of the film? And even though the robots are deadpan the entire movie, that doesn’t mean that Bridget Moynahan has to act the same way. It was really disappointing because I really like Ms. Moynahan but she really gave an ‘abbreviated performance’©, I feel she could have been better. I felt that my dying dog Cider could have done a better and more believable job. The only problem is she sleeps all day and can’t really walk many places. Bottom Line: this movie flat out sucks and the ending really makes me want to hurt someone. Will Smith, why did you have to be in this film? It was just bad.

Best Line: Will Smith Sneezes, “I’m sorry, I’m allergic to bullsh*t.�

Rated PG-13 for intense stylized action, and some brief partial nudity.
Science Fiction / Action
Running Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Photos © 20th Century Fox. All Rights Reserved.

Miss (fun but trite)– Starring Hilary Duff, Chad Michael Murray, Jennifer Coolidge

A Cinderella Story is a cute teen comedy that has no hope of being anything, but unoriginal. Hilary Duff makes a darling Sam (or Cinderella). This particular role is right up her ally because it is just like every other role that she plays on screen. Hilary, it’s time for the world to see your range, if you have range, which I hope that you do. Chad Michael Murray plays Austin (or Prince Charming) who feels he lives in a world that just doesn’t understand him. PLEASE! You are in high school, life really can’t be that tough for a privileged teen who drives a Mercedes. Give me a break. The real downer for this movie was that it was clearly written by someone who went to Notre Dame. I have never seen so much USC bashing in my entire life. And of course the high school football team is black, white, green, and gold… and they are the “fighting frogs,â€? (or something with fighting in front of them but it might not be ducks because my memory is not that refined). I think someone is just upset that USC has beat Notre Dame for the last three consecutive years. Bottom line: Get over it and consider renting this teen-ie- bop-ie movie. But don’t be too stunned that you already know the entire story. P.S. Coolidge is an excellent evil stepmother and Regina King is a charming fairy godmother.

This movie also brings back the theme of evil mother, as seen earlier this year in The Manchurian Candidate.

Best Scene: When Hilary’s best friend gets into a car accident… oops.

Rated PG for mild language and innuendo.
Comedy
Running Time: 1 hour 37 minutes

Photo © Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Hit (but depressing)- Catalina Sandino Moreno, Yenny Paola Vega

Maria has found herself down on her luck. Not only does she live a cramped lifestyle with three generations in the same house, she is also expecting a child. Maria is only 17 and feels her child should be brought up in the United States. Since Maria has little to no money, she is offered a chance to receive free air travel to the United States, $800 in cash, and extra money once she arrives in the United States. The only catch is, she must be a drug mule for Columbian drug runners. Now Maria must survive the situation she has put herself in, and all the while she finds herself concerned for her unborn child.

A sad story that is beautifully portrayed. The director allows his audience to see the world through Maria’s eyes, and takes us on an interesting journey that begins with a small conflict, but blossoms to a large problem. I felt the same way about this movie as I did about the movie Traffic. At the end of the movie I felt I had learned a little bit more about the drug world. Bottom Line: Informative speech type style, but not a movie if you are looking for entertainment.

Best Scene: Final Scene with Maria.

Rated R for drug content and language.
Drama
Running Time: 1 hour 41 minutes

Photo © 2004 Christobal Corral Vega HBO Films/Fine Line Features. All Rights Reserved.

Miss – Starring Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Fred Willard

Ron Burgendy doesn’t know what to do when a female news reporter, Veronica Corningstone, is assigned to work at his station. A war between Ron and Veronica ensues to see who will be the last man ( or woman ) standing.

Mild laughs + mild entertainment = not a very good comedy film. Performances were wildly over the top for this campy 70′s movie, which added to the overall flare of the film, but the story was too boring to keep me interested. Most of the humor was completely over the top and not really playing towards any audience. There is not much else to say except: This just in… Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgendy is down for the count.

Best Scene: When all the networks come together for a rumble.

Rated PG-13 for sexual humor, language and comic violence. (edited for re-rating)
Comedy
Running Time: 1 hour 34 minutes

Photos © DreamWorks Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Hit (good teeny-bop film) Starring Alexa Vega, Mika Boorem, Jane Lynch, Sara Paxton, Brie Larson, Scout Taylor-Compton

Four girls attempt to heighten their social lives before enterting high school by competing against a popular clique at their school. The competition? An all night scavenger hunt, which includes sneaking into clubs, dressing mannequins, and stealing some interesting loot. The first one to get all items on the scavenger hunt wins the opportunity to eat at the high school hot spot. The loser has to eat lunch by the dumpsters.

Julie (Vega) heads the group of young social status climbers on this adventure. The whole group is charming and provides great entertainment for the entire family. If you like teeny-bop, you will like this movie. I particularly like the electric car the girls are able to obtain from their friend.
Other highlights, look for an upcoming album debut of big talent Brie Larson, “Finally Out of P.E.”. Currently you can hear some of her songs on Radio Disney, and her single “She Said” can also be downloaded onto your iPod from iTunes music store.
Bottom Line: Rent this teeny-bop film sometime soon.

Best Scene: The boys trying to help the girls win the scavenger hunt by singing “If You Wanna Be My Lover,” by the Spice Girls.

Rated PG thematic elements involving teen dating, some sensuality and language.
Comedy
Running Time: 1 hour 37 minutes.

Photo © MGM. All Rights Reserved.