Hit – Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto

The back story of James T. Kirk and other crew members of the USS Enterprise.

I might actually see this movie for a second time in theaters which is a huge deal as I have never seen a movie in theaters twice (at least from what I can remember). Although I have never seen a Star Trek episode, or a Star Trek film, I found this to be a spectacular introduction to the phenomena that is Star Trek. This is a Star Trek for the next generation (I am proof of that).

Bottom Line: A better action film than Wolverine.

Action

Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content.

Running Time: 2 hours 6 minutes.

Hit (however see below) – Starring Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Lynn Collins

The story of how James Logan became Wolverine. The movie answers the question of why Wolverine does not know where he came from.

While this movie had an interesting concept and execution I have one, really large complaint about it…

I think that Final Cut Pro was used for the post-special effects for the film. I have never seen such horrible special effects in a film in the 21st century. This is a big budget movie that has no excuse to have such poor filmmaking. I digress…

So, what makes this movie a hit (I might consider it a base-hit)? The discovery of Wolverine’s beginnings give an informed background to the first film. It shows how the young mutants get in contact with Professor X, how Wolverine got his name, and how he has no memory about where he came from.

I personally like how Silver Fox (Collins) has a similar look to the Jean Grey character. Other than special effects, this film had a steady pace and interesting action scenes. The end sequence with Weapon XI was a slightly over-the-top. I also felt that Gambit (Taylor Kitsch) could have had a larger roll in the film. Where has he been anyway, why don’t we see him in later films? I found this character to be quite interesting. However, I would have like to see that character played by either Josh Holloway, or Merrill Capps.

Bottom Line: As entertaining as the previous X-Men films (better than the third film), but the special effects were worse than any of the other films.

Action

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, and some partial nudity.
I know they really wanted a PG-13 rating, but some things look ridiculous without blood.

Running Time: 1 hour 47 minutes

Hit – Starring Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon

17+ years after getting married too soon, Mike (Perry/Efron) wishes that he could go back to high school to make different choices. He gets his wish of being able to go back to high school but ends up being a teenager in the current year – causing him to be in classes with his own children.

I have long enjoyed age reversal movies and 17 Again provides an interesting plot point of having the character reverse in age but not in time. Having the father go to high school with his own children provides an interesting comedic outlet for the film. This film is entertaining to all ages and Zac Efron is also entertaining for women of all ages. It is a movie to be seen, but it is not necessary to see the film in theatres.

Bottom Line: The age reversal movie of the High School Musical Generation.

Comedy

Rated PG-13 for language, some sexual material and teen partying.

Running Time: 1 hour 42 minutes.