"Special Highlight: Comic-Con"

As people began to gather their belongings and were leaving, ending the last day of hysteria in Hall H, we're asked if we'd be willing to stay just for a few more  minutes to "see something." We're expecting a trailer or something and there it was on the screen, a play on "The Avengers" logo... AND then ... the intro of Samuel Jackson aka Nick Fury, who strolled onto the stage and took the podium! The audience went wild!

Wait, wait... don't go yet! He started rattling off *names* one by one... Oh yeah, the CAST of "The Avengers." Scarlett Johansson aka "Black Widow," Clark Gregg (the agent who finds Thor's hammer), "Chris Hemmworth aka "Thor," Chris Evans aka "Captain America"... AND :::drumroll please" RDJ aka "Iron Man" himself (everyone just about *lost* it at this point!) in his typical "I.privatize.world peace" flair and rockstar suit.  He officially announced Mark Ruffalo as the "Hulk" (recast). If you've seen RDJ in person before, you'd know that he's just like his alter-ego Tony Stark, a real entertainer and crowd-pleaser. He asked whether we had seen "Inception;" he thought it's the most ambitious film he had ever seen - until he found out that Marvel was going to make the "Avengers."  Somehow during the thousands of the blitz I missed the announcement of another guy being Hawkeye, Jeremy Renner. 

They all stood shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the table on stage and pose along for pics.  WOW... this last stunt almost brought down the house!

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"Salt"

"Salt" premiers with high expectations partly (or probably, mainly) due to Angelina Jolie. I love spy-thriller movies but couldn't recall seeing one with a female lead. Jolie is, without a doubt, the obvious choice for the role. There are very few female stars who could open a blockbuster action movie. Milla Jovovich is one, Kate Beckinsale is another, but they're more fantasy-based. It would be unfair to compare "Salt" to "Wanted," as that, is fantasy-based too (bullet-bending, anyone?), as with "James Bond."

A fairer comparison would be the "Bourne" starring Matt Damon. While "Salt" didn't blow me away like "Bourne," it's a good, old-fashioned spy-thriller with a throwback to the Cold War era. And Jolie, with her physical prowess and photogenic presence, pulls off a secret agent like a pro. There are scenes that elicit oohs-and-aahs, specifically with the ways she uses a gun without shooting or chain link from her handcuff to disarm someone.

There have been female undercover operatives who are worth their salt (no pun intended). Valerie Plame is arguably the most famous case in recent history. Clandestine work is inherently alluring and I wish Salt's motivations are explored further in place of (still) over-the-top violence. In real life Salt would have bruises and broken bones all over during the continuous chase and shootout scenes, or even fall into a certain death.

I do appreciate purposeful acts that may seem minor are built in to give a touch of realism. You can't help but notice the way she removes her stilettos before taking off running or jumping sideways gradually down through the elevator shaft instead of leaping straight down like a superhuman. Adding flashback scenes to her training days at Langley and exploring the relationship with her handler would add more depth to the story.

So just who is Evelyn Salt? What's her allegiance? Is she a CIA agent gone rouge? What about her husband? Does she really get framed? If so, by whom and for what purpose? How would she prove herself on the haunt? Or could it be that she is indeed a double agent?

All of these questions surprisingly get answered in the end. And the closing scene doesn't tie everything up; instead, get ready for a sequel!  "Salt" is a relatively tasty summer treat.

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/25cg375

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/2bab22c (blu-ray)

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"Jonah Hex"

Incorrigible - non-existent character development with a story that's barely there. Now, I'm a fan of putting slices of a storyline together, but the execution is dicey (or a lot left on the cutting flor). Not to mention loud, LOUD. There's SO much meaningless firepower. If you expect this to be a unique sci-fi western, beware! It's western (with a sliver of supernatural element). It's a shame that it wastes talents such as Josh Brolin and John Malkovich. If you're going in and hoping to see a lot of Megan Fox, don't bother. She has minor scenes and her "acting" leaves much to be desired. That said, I came with such low expectations that I ended up enjoying it mildly.  

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/2e9u3j7

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"The A-Team"

Preposterously outrageous, "A-Team" is A-AWEsome! Big, bold, bawdy death-defying stunts that stun.

To those in the audience who are not familiar with the TV series from the 1980s, the movie opens with Mexico, providing about the background of the band formation of the fearless foursome. Liam Neeson as Hannibal is the brain of the operations; Bradley Cooper as 'Face' is easy-on-the-eyes all-around go-to guy; Quinton Jackson as Barracus is the big brawn with a teddy-bear heart and a flying-phobe; and Sharlto Copley (virtually unknown prior to last year's "District 9") is the insanely frenzied super-pilot. The buddy-chemistry cranks up the scenes; I was bowled over with laughter.

8 years and 80 missions later, they go to Baghdad on a black ops mission to recover millions in money plates. Predictably, they're setup by a conspiracy - without anyone in authority who could vouch for said mission, and subsequently find themselves court-marshalled and imprisoned. Chaos ensues. There's the army (Gerald McRaney), CIA (Patrick Wilson), mercenaries (Brian Bloom), Arab figure, Face's former flame (Jessica Biel). Who double-crosses who? Who's friend and who's foe? Who dunnit?

None will argue that the plot is muddled, the "strategies" are flawed, or that such actions are implausible to execute. Never fear - the plans of distraction, diversion and division launch the fireworks and that's all it matters. Commandeering a flying tank while shooting out drones in the sky? Sniper-shooting a building window and breaking into a room at hundreds of feet in the air? Skidding down a skyscraper among shards of glass? No big deal.

This is one of those "mission impossible" movies that thrives on the thrill of the skills in pulling off such impossible missions on accelerated speed, and dodging dramatic crashes and blasts. It propels 'cool' to the next level. No brain power required - enjoy the ride!

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/24x5jgm

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"Prince of Persia: Sands of Time"

A popcorn epic blockbuster fits for a prince (or princess). PoP has Jerry Bruckheimer's signature all over it. BIG FUN! For me it's "Pirates of the Carribean" part 1 all over again, only without Johnny Depp in it.

Jack Gyllenhaal more than makes up for it! Rogue and buff but agile and versatile, he looks and acts the part of a dashing prince, romantic hero, Dastan. As Dastan, he dexterously climbs up castle walls, leaps through rooftops, squeezes into tight spaces, gallops on horses through the desert, bungee-jumps, sword-fights with the best of them, not to mention outwits and outcharms the rest. He is the quintessential "good guy" and a parkour master to boot (for those of you who are not familiar with parkour, I'd suggest watching "District B:13" starring real-life parkour founders).

As a street kid, he was adopted by the King of Persia, who was impressed by his good heart and bravery. After deftly devising a strategy to conquer Alamut, a staggered village-city suspected for harboring a "weapon of mass destruction" (a jab at the previous administration), the king ends up dead and he's accused for the murder and going after the crown.

On the run for his life from his royal brothers and the Persian army and trying to clear his name, he and Princess Tamina (Gemma Arteton), the ruler of the conquered city and protector of the magical dagger, reluctantly end up on the rides of their lives together. Anybody who possesses the dagger has the potential to rule the world because it could reverse time if the jewel atop the dagger is pressed.

Honestly, I was surprised that the movie was an adaptation of a video game. The story works because all the elements are there. Fantasy. Action. Adventure. Humor. Romance. It's a "logical" fantasy with a sense of realism in a sublime set pieces and complemented with spectacular special effects. A heroic, dashing prince with a beautiful heroine, spirited princess working together for the greater good. A villain with a familiar face and familial ties to the prince (Ben Kingsley), along with snake-equipped dark forces. A sarcastic, shady sheik (Alfred Molina) in the business of ostrich racing as a sidekick with his knife-thrower sidekick. The chemistry between Gyllenhaal and Arteton is incredible that the romantic banters look so believable. The way they challenge each other, fight with one another, and join forces together come out as natural as their mutual attraction.

Exhilaratingly entertaining, PoP earns a fan who will be one of the first in line for (hopefully) the next installments of a trilogy!

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/2foa54s

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/249wc7m (blu-ray)

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"Letters to Juliet"

'Juliet' is simply lovely. It has all the romantic elements of a true love that endures through time.  

Amanda Seyfried, fresh off her lead role in "Dear John," is ever-effervescent with the girl-next door look. A fact-checker with the New Yorker and an aspiring writer, Sophie travels to Verona, the city of love, with her self-absorbed fiancé, Victor (Gael Bernal Garcia) on a "pre-honeymoon"/business trip where he's there to meet with suppliers for his new restaurant. Watching the interactions between the two, I had a hard time imagining what made them a couple in the first place. They have nothing in common and live on a separate page.

While sightseeing, Sophie arrives at Juliet's courtyard (a real tourist attraction) where women (and men) leave love letters. The "secretaries of Juliet" open the letters and answers them on behalf of 'Juliet.' Curiosity gets the better of Sophie when she stumbles upon an old letter hidden in one of the wall crevices. She joins the ladies and feels compelled to answer the letter. She ends up meeting the woman who wrote it... 50 years ago, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave). Claire was torn after leaving her first love behind, Lorenzo, and going back home to London to be married to another in order to avoid the disapproval of her parents.

The letter arrives at Claire's family home. Upon reading a thought-provoking response, with her grandson in tow, Charlie (Chirstopher Egan), Claire rushes to Verona on a quest to find her Lorenzo. And so the adventure of love begins. Even after the location parameter is established, there are multiple dozens of men bearing the name Lorenzo Bartolini. There are some humorous scenes where the men seem to be quite taken by Claire's charm and warmth. The lush landscape of the Italian wine country bathing in sunlight is a natural canvas for a romance. It reminds me of another movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" starring Diane Lane.

After an encounter with a tombstone of Lorenzo, hope is fading fast. Maybe this is crazy after all. Could this be her Lorenzo? And if not, what if he didn't remember Claire? What if he's gravely ill? Or what about a wife who might possibly fly off the handle? What if...

After an emotional blowout between Sophie and Charlie in that graveyard, the trio are turning around to leave when Claire spots a young boy working in the farm with a connection to the princely owner of the vineyard, Lorenzo Bartolini (Franco Nero, Redgrave's real-life husband). Her long-lost love, Lorenzo. A seemingly chance encounter leads to the reunion of the century. Can fate be evaded? Can destiny be denied? Can soulmates reunite against all odds? The eyes, whom some say are windows to the soul, reveal the genuine connection and depth of emotions. It will warm your heart and make you believe that when something is meant to be, it will be, at the time that is deemed "right." And interestingly, in real life, Redgrave and Nero had on and off relationships for many years before they were finally married several years ago.

In the meantime, friendship grows between Sophie and Charlie. Initially "hating" each other, something's blossoming during this road trip. As stuck-up Charlie as he seems in the beginning, they both connect through sincere interest and appreciation for one another and deeper connection through the loss on the family end. While the chemistry doesn't hold a candle to the older couple, it's cute enough.

This is one of those stories, while predictable, it's a journey worth traveling. And the destination is a beautiful ending.

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/2aa7czd

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"Iron Man 2"

It's out of this world ROCKED!!! 

"I.privatize.world peace" sums it all.

The novelty of "Iron Man" hasn't worn off on me. While it would never be the same as witnessing the first scene of Iron Man soaring into space and the joy of the trial and error, Iron Man is still the only one of its kind that is as grounded in future reality as it could be.

Tony Stark is one of the rare exceptions of being a publicly known superhero. And possessing the traits of a superhero, he does not. Robert Downey Jr. doesn't disappoint in the sequel wherein the world knows him not only as the billionaire weapon manufacturer extraordinaire, but more pivotally as The Man in armored suit.

RDJ is the brain, heart and soul of Iron Man. It makes me wonder whether the script was written to be specifically tailored to him. Bold and brash, he's got that smug and swagger that commands the world over. Naturally narcissistic and sarcastic, oversized just doesn't cover it as far as his ego goes. Never known for subtleties, his flashy style and fast-paced lifestyle suits him just fine - even in his quest to discover the new energy source since the arc-core machine that keeps his heart beating is also slowly poisoning his blood.

RDJ's personality carries every single scene that he's in. Numerous outrageously riotous one-liners bring on continuous giggles and laugh out-louds. Be it frivolous or witty or sarcastic, Stark goes toe-to-toe with the newly minted CEO of Stark Industries aka love-interest Pepper Pots, newly appointed eye-candy secretary with an ulterior motive aka Black Widow, Hammer the competitor with an ambitiously ambiguous agenda, or Nick Fury from yes, the upcoming Avengers team (sidenote: the geeks in us would notice Captain America's shield and Thor's hammer). Everyone seems to have so much fun and it shows. I don't recall ever laughing so hard for so long in a non-comedic movie!

And Whiplash... what an entrance! I totally didn't expect the Monaco mayhem to happen early. With connected past through their fathers, he's a worthy adversary. The Grand Prix thrill of the peril where Whiplash faces off with Stark sans suit is the stealer of the movie (and the manner in which Stark ends up donning his suit is a real treat), even more so than the last sequence of dash, smash and blast of the battle of the war machines in the end. Although the mass zig-zag laser cut or the armed superobots is the incredible icing on the metal. If there's a "flaw" in all these, Don Cheadle as war machine is too flawless to be believable. Not anyone clad in the suit is "Iron Man."

One might argue that this "Iron Man" lacks heart, but I tend to think that it's just as it's supposed to be. "Iron Man" doesn't take itself seriously; it's a nonstop joyride starring a wisecracked eccentric, atypical superhero, and it deftly delivers.

DVD:  http://tinyurl.com/2vmrzbp

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"How to Train Your Dragon"

Two wings up for 'Dragon'! All those hi-speed flying, soaring, fighting, frolicking, rumbling, tumbling, spinning, rolling, crashing in 3-D up, into, down, through, over the skies, clouds, mountains, forests, lakes, rocks, caves are huge adrenaline rush - you'd almost forget that it's kiddie animation! And the gentle gliding part is dreamy. The "species" of the dragons are distinctive with their own quirks. Definitely worth seeing - and you'd better see it at the theater!

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/2dwed5p

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"Shutter Island"

I went back and forth before finally deciding to go for it since I heard it was "scary." The ever-supreme team of Scorsese and DiCaprio swayed me in. I thought that it should be more than "jump in the dark" kind of thing, right? And it's certainly not the kind of throat-slashing gory since it isn't classified as "horror."  

Ah, was I thrilled! Scorsese scores again... It's ingeniously jaw-dropping, inventive, provocative filled with mystery, intrigue and psychological terror (emphasis on *psychological*). And psychological terror can actually be more terrifying.

While the first half is rather slow-moving during its suspense-building where some tortured-thought scenes tend to drag on or seem excessive, the last third shocks and awes. It makes your hair stand and question which one is the 'real' deal and what to believe. Where does the hallucinations start and end?

The story expounds the profound power of the human mind. The setting, score, lighting, ambiance collectively sets a bone-chilling tone, but ultimately it's the story that seizes. Pay attention to the hints.

THIS is the kind of film that is made for mature audience - AND *messes* with your mind. "Shutter Island" shatters my expectations.

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/252pjor

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"Leap Year"

Light, bright, delightful. It's sweet and provides just the right amount of sugar rush.  

Amy Adams is what I call a "consummate charm," who also happens to be stylishly fabulous here. Even during low moments, she comes across as cute as a doll, never haughty. Along the way, she learns that while she's got what she wants as far as life plans go, it may not necessarily be what she needs. She and Matthew Goode are absolutely adorable together. And the spectacular scenery of Irish countryside doesn't hurt. Evergreen as far as eyes could see.

Sure, it's rife with cliches and ridiculousness. But the storyline, while predictable (which romcom isn't?), is filled with misadventures and mishaps, draws guffaws out loud. Seriously, this one is a riot! Nothing deep, but its serendipity nature is uplifting for those of us who believe that life is full of surprises and somehow it works out the way it's supposed to be.

I was grinning from ear to ear and all smiles. And, guess what, the audience was clapping when the credit rolls!

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/2b7eaq2

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"The Road"

An anti-thesis of "2012," "The Road" is an intimate, harsh portrait of a post-apocalyptic survival. It zooms at a microscopic level of a gut-wrenching family relationship in a bleak and blighted world without civilization. A world where the forecast is always outcast and barren with ruins. A world of starvation and savagery where decency and compassion is lost. Yet as the father and son tediously travels through this trechearous path, they learn that there's still a sliver of humanity left. Make no mistake about it, it is a *hard* film to watch, to say the least. But I do recommend it for a change from the typical CGI-filled doomsday disaster flicks.  

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/2es56po

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"The Box"

Incredibly intriguing premise; push the button of a box given as a 'gift,' one gets a million dollar... and a stranger that you don't know dies. It deals with "What would you do? moral dilemma. Of course, by pushing the button, they suffer personal consequences. Unfortunately, the intrigue stops at the premise. While it is suspenseful, it looks superficially scary.  Throughout and in the end, a huge letdown due to disconnected scenes and unexplainable chains of events (such a dreadful disappointment from 'Donnie Darko's Richard Kelly).  

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/22ljnod

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"Up in the Air"

Smart, engaging, witty. Dialogue-intensive, it's sharply written with elements of compassion and empathy with a great dose of reality and human implications, and humor that hit on the right notes.  

George Clooney, a suave corporate downsizer, plays that single bachelor, peripatetic lifestyle to the hilt with charm and wit. As he takes to the skies, crisscrosses the country, and lives off of his suitcase, he meets his match, Vera Farmiga's character who's every bit his equal. Non-committal, secretive, alluring, intelligent, successful and sophisticated. The spark is off the charts. Oftentimes it felt more like battle of the sexes.

The other supporting character, Anna Kendrick, an astute, impassionate young woman just graduating from college has a certain naivety but is evenly comparable and matches Clooney line by line with ease and sass on the firing line. She delivers even the most cringe-inducing lines with a straight face and so competently.  

The use of real people and real stories of getting pink-slipped in this economy is a wise move and although hits too close to home. The ending is just right. It doesn't get tidily tied with a big red bow; like most things these days, it is... up in air.

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/2f6evu6

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"Sherlock Holmes"

A story of mystery, adventure and sorcery against the backdrop of cold damp London, Robert Downey Jr. certainly presents a different kind of "Sherlock Holmes." A cerebral character known for his intellect, his play of intellectual games and wit certainly do not disappoint. Clever rebuttals aside, this Holmes is also a buff action hero of sort. Blessed with ultra-sensitive senses and quick on his feet, and with the help of an equally mad, loyal sidekick Jude Law (who BTW, have terrific chemistry with RDJ) and feisty femme fatale Rachel McAdams, Holmes is deeper than smokescreens and mirrors. Don't let the illusion of black magic and wizardry fool you, all the dots are connected in the end. With slow beginning, it picks up momentum during the last third all the way to a rousing finish.  

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/28ks7fo

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"Avatar"

Absolutely astounding fantasy extravaganza. I was entirely immersed in this lush vortex of lively colors filled with floating mountains, living forests, glowing plants, thundering waterfalls, nimble beasts, flying dragon-birds, indigenous unicorns and Na'vis with bows and arrows. 

Never before seen such photo-realistic, life-like CGIs. Simply put, we're finally there... Arguably the most celebrated, avant-garde director of our times, James Cameron really did it! Visionary and brilliant, he broke through the motion-capture tech frontier and breathes life into these tall, lithe, sparkly blue horse-cat like creatures with expressive faces and gracefully fluid movements. One of my most favorite scenes was the initiation of the young hunter into adulthood through flying navigation lessons. I felt like soaring and steering along.

Dazzling spectacles aside, the core story has emotional and spiritual connections between the characters and nature. The blazing guns and bombs and robotic machines come charging signify the intense destruction of the planet, and the struggle to preserve and protect its existence and longevity. The war of the two worlds, a hybrid of computer animation and live action, can feel a little laborious at times, but the cartoonish villain captain provides the needed relief. And "Avatar" is not just a technically stunning sci-fi, it also has an underlying love story with real human moments. You'll understand when it gets to "I.see.you" scene closer to the end.

All in all, I was immensely amazed and amused, "Avatar" is magical.

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/27wyznl

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/29h5e6j (blu-ray)

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"2012"

Absolutely delivers on an epic scale! You know beforehand that you're going for the special effects. If you enjoyed world destructions in apocalyptic movies "Independence Day," "Day After Tomorrow," you'll surely enjoy this one. Roland Emmerich is "The Master of Disaster", hands down.

Calamity and chaos abound.  The ways the grounds crack apart by massive earthquakes, open up and swallow everything in part and whole, the land mass carrying the cities that shift and slide into sea, the volcanoes that erupt and shoots of fire boiling terrains into molten lava, the tidal waves of tsunamis drowning the earth, the nations' landmarks and monuments tumble and crumble, the avalanche of smoke and ash that flood the air, people by the millions hang on for dear life and plunge to their deaths, the arks to house and preserve the last of humanity... all look gigantic, realistic and scary. I was blown away and had goose bumps watching all these unfold.

Sure, the "plot" and lines are implausible and cheesy (no way the heroes can outrun so many global catastrophes and dodge fallen buildings, cars, train - you name it - in the nick of time every single time, right? Who cares!)

Leave your logic outside, grab a bucket of popcorn and soda, enjoy the roller-coaster ride. This one is not only tons of fun; it's also breathtaking and gripping at the same time. Who knew the end of the world could be so entertaining!

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/2bjcncp
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/26ukejd (blu-ray)

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