Iron Man

Iron Man: The barrage of superhero movies continues, this time with Robert Downey Jr. playing the man underneath the iron. In most circles (minus the hard core) Iron Man is a second or even a third tier superhero (lets just say he would probably be parking cars at Superman’s birthday party). In fact, I really did not know anything more about him other than: Iron suit painted red & gold. The movie is formulated much like all of the other opening acts in superhero franchises. The first half of the movie unveils how the superhero came to be -- then a bad guy emerges with like powers and is defeated just before the credits roll. It comes down to likable characters and an interesting plot. In this case, Iron Man is blessed with both. Downey is absolutely perfect as Tony Stark, an arms dealer who is taken hostage in Afghanistan while on a business trip. He is on top of the world up until this point - being best described as a rich, cocky, womanizer, alcoholic. The story behind the origin of the iron suit and thus the birth of Iron Man is extremely well done and interesting. It is also not very hard to see the correlation between the movie’s message and the current world perception of the United States. After his experience in Afghanistan, Tony Stark realizes what kind of responsibility comes with being a superpower in the world – that weapons should only be used as a last resort. Terrence Howard and a bald Jeff Bridges also turn in a couple of top rate performances. After his film debut, it is safe to say Iron Man will not be parking cars at Superman’s next bash…….he may actually have a seat at the bar!
Ry's Rating: B+

If this movie had parents they would be: Lord of War & Batman

With a runtime of 126 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indiana Jones 4: It has been 19 years since we last heard the crack of his whip and seen his famous fedora. The biggest question from fans was in regards to Harrison Ford’s age and if he could still pull off Indy in the way we would like to see/remember. I feel the film did an excellent job of addressing his age, but not overplaying it. Yes there are laughs supplied from Jones being older and not as capable, but for the most part Indy is still Indy and that is still fun to behold! The story gets going instantly - Communists, who have replaced the Nazis as the evil villains have captured Indiana in hopes he could lead them to a supernatural treasure. Just when Dr. Jones is about to wash his hands of the situation a young man named Mutt (Shia LaBeouf) arrives with a letter that only Indy would be able to understand, thus hurling him back into the adventure. The chemistry between LaBeouf and Ford is what really carriers the picture. Furthermore it is the element that separates this adventure from the previous three and also the justification for why Indy came back to the big screen to begin with. The action is done in that classic Indiana Jones style. You can expect astonishing car chases, creepy caverns, and some good old fashion fist fights. The film even supplies some extremely corny moments, although I believe all Indy film are wounded by this. In the end….was it worth the 19 year wait? Probably not, but a chance to catch up with an old friend like Indy…..definitely worth a trip to the theater.
Ry's Rating: B

If this movie had Parents they would be: Raiders of the Lost Ark & The X-Files

With a running time of 122 minutes

This film is rated PG

In Bruges Review

In Bruges: The title might keep people away, because like myself they probably have no idea what it is or means. Bruges is a town in Belgium near the border of France and is the setting for the film. Colin Farrell plays a hit man who, with his partner is ordered to hide out “In Bruges” for 2 weeks or until things settle down in London, the city where their last “hit” went awry. Now in order to make the movie entertaining you have to fill the town of Bruges with a cast of unique characters for the hit men to get tangled up with. The film does a good job of this, from an attractive street thief to a midget who is there shooting a film. The movie is much funnier than one would expect. I would say the humor is similar to that used in (giving one of my parents away) Get Shorty, but only better. Being in Bruges actually becomes a running joke throughout the film and is played up perfectly. Where I felt the film came up short was the unraveling plot. After a strong set-up, the story seemed to get away from the director – with the final chapter seeming pieced together just to get to some kind of resolve. Colin Farrell, while very funny, did not sell me on the dramatic aspects of his role. Ralph Fiennes shows up three-quarters of the way through and absolutely shines in his small role. Overall, the good does outweigh the bad enough for me to recommend. This is not a movie to rush out and see, but you will be pleasantly surprised if you happen across it.

Ry's Rating: C +

Extra Insight from Jen: I on the other hand really liked Colin Farrell "In Bruges" (pronounced broozh). I am not a Farrell fan, but I felt he was very funny in the childish aspect of his role and surprisingly believable during his more dramatic moments on screen.

If This movie had parents they would be: Get Shorty & Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels

With a runtime of 107 minutes

This film is rated R

Top 10 of 2007

Ryan: I love going to the movies! Furthermore, I really love going to the movies and seeing something exceptional. Each year there are always a handful of movies that stick with you long after you have seen them - movies that are a cut above the rest. 2007 was blessed with some outstanding films in a couple of different genres. Below you will find my Top 10 Films of the past year. Alongside me during all of the movies that I see is a person with an amazing taste in cinema – Jennifer. Her opinion and insight into the movies….is…well…..ALLLMOST as good as mine. Jen? (Her Top 10 is included as well).

Jen: Oh, I see. Now that I have edited YOUR comments above for spelling and grammatical errors, I can get to the matter at hand. It was a pleasure to make countless trips to the movies in 2007, especially the latter part when most of the noteworthy films were released. I see that both of our lists included No Country, Blood, Juno, Once, Charlie Wilson, SuperBad, and Atonement even after being locked in separate rooms while we compiled our lists. I suppose that evidences that these seven flicks were at the top of their game in 2007. I am glad that you included Sicko which had me laughing and crying. Do you think it has a shot for best documentary? The Kite Runner was definitely one of the better films of the year, but it just didn't compare to the book. Bourne was a fun watch and was left nicely open-ended. I was surprised that you gave Mike C. the axe. I thought it was different than the typical thriller/lawyer films that we have seen in recent years and what great performances by Clooney and Wilkinson! Sweeney was dark while being humorous and Helena Bonham Carter almost stole the show from Johnny Depp. Finally, Waitress was so charming and unpretentious - what an original script that showed us quite a different side of pregnancy (Knocked Up did this as well). Thanks for inviting me to share my comments. I look forward to our next trip to the theatre!
Jen

Ryan's Top 10

10. Atonement

9. SuperBad

8. Sicko

7. The Kite Runner

6. Charlie Wilson's War

5. Bourne Ultimatum

4. Once

3. Juno

2. There Will Be Blood

1. No Country for Old Men

Jen's Top 10

10. Sweeney Todd

9. SuperBad

8. Atonement

7. No Country for Old Men

6. Charlie Wilson's War
5. Waitress

4. Michael Clayton

3. There Will Be Blood

2. Once

1. Juno