G.I. Joe (2009) (Theatrical) - 8/10

The definition of a summer popcorn flick, G.I. Joe is actually better than it should have been thanks to a good looking cast that takes it seriously and Stephen Sommers' over the top action sequences that really allow the special fx to enhance the action but not overpower the acting.

The Soloist (2009) (Blu Ray) - 6/10

I was anxious to see The Soloist on Blu Ray after missing it in theatres but I was ultimately disappointed by this obvious Oscar bait for the way it intentionally tried to influence the audience by being over emotional one minute and then comedic the next. Joe Wright won me over on Atonement's one take long shot but in this he tries a more realistic approach to uncover the homeless problem in L.A and give Jamie Fox another role to act like part retard/part musical savant who is befriended by a columnist for the LA Times. I like some of the musical pieces Fox plays and the relationship they build but it ultimately seems forced and not fleshed out as much with the supporting cast to be worthwhile. The extras and commentary talk about the real life people they used in the slum scenes and interviews with the real guy who's life this is based on. Overall, a big letdown.

The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005) (Blu Ray) - 9/10

I'm a sucker for underdog sports movie so this Disney flick with Shia Labeuf playing the amateur golf who wins the US Open is a thrilling ride and a treat to see in all it's Blu Ray glory. I like that director Bill Paxton switched over from acting to create a truly original editing and golf ball technique so that it keeps the action in focus while feeling like your'e really there. An inspiring movie that had 2 separate commentaries with even more insight into the actual history of the event.

Constantine (2005) (Blu Ray) - 8/10

It was fun to rewatch this supernaturl thriller again with the new Blu ray extras and PIP window which dove into the making of the visual effects and casting process. Cool to see Shia Labeuf as a young taxi driver and Rachel Weitz is always hot. Fun if not forgettable movie.

Race to Witch Mountain (2009) (Blu Ray) - 6/10

Race to Witch Mountain is one of the bigger missteps in the Disney canon and I'm surprised by how little I liked it. I usually love The Rock but in this it seemed like he was just reading his cue cards right outta the script, not to mention the alien-like dialogue which came off as wooden and forced by the kids. The music is inspiring at some points but the stereotypical govt. bullies and pursues them throughout the movie like a bunch of dumbasses and the bounty hunter dude is so indestructable yet we never hear where he's from or even how he got here. Going to Vegas and making fun of comic book nerds didn't win me over either, though I liked the CGI of the alien ships and car chase scene. In the end, this movie is just a repetitive nod to it's original and the director even says he hid the original actors and props inside the movie for the fans of the old ones. Either way, Disney lost out on this b/c they cast the Game Plan director instead of someone who can balance action and humor. Instead, this comes off like a bad ripoff where we just can't wait for it to be over. Oh well...

Green Lantern: First Flight (2009) (Blu Ray) - 7/10

Another of the DC universe's animated movies, Green Lantern: First Flight is a fun introduction to the character and has some decent enough action scenes to make this worthwhile. I had never read any comics of Green Lantern but have heard they're hopefully making a live action movie so i figured now is as good a time as ever to get into this backstory. The movie looks pretty good for recent animation and Hal Jordan gets the ring in the first few minutes so the story charges right out of the gate. With great voice work and fun explorations of univeral themes, this movie had some cool extras and camera techniques to make it the best I could have hoped for.

Sin City (2005) (Blu Ray) - 10/10

Sin City is a marvel of green screen and acting, the most realistic graphic novel representation that Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez could have made and it's violent, funny, and awesome all at the same time. The Blu Ray is stacked with extras but most importantly, the Cine-Explore mode which is amazing, you really have to see it to believe it. With pop up panels from the graphic novels, behind the scenes green screen footage as well as a full running commentary by the directors, it's one of the most immersive movie experiences i've seen in a while. For me, this movie is almost the antithesis of Speed Racer but just as imporant. The way that they use color so sparingly and as a "weapon" they call it to overemphasize certain things like blood and such is genius. Such an ensemble cast could almost never be done again in Hollywood and everyone knew that they were getting into something epic from the start. Recreating exact props and shots to match the stories, a movie completely shot on green screen had never been done before like this and watchin the extras they show you it's almost like the actors were on a stage performing with blocks and cheap props to add 99% of the world in after the fact. Everything about this movie is kick-ass and it was a real treat to go into every aspect of how they made it to refresh my memory of why i love it so much. this movie was the start of the comic adaptations and one that works.

Mad Men: Season 2 (2008) - 9/10

I've been watchin the second season of Mad Men with director commentary to get ready for the start of the 3rd season and have to say, this show is excellent. With amazing costumes and characters straight out of the past, the production design and dialogue is great in the advertising agency as well as in the homes of all these trouble people. The director and writers are hilarious on the commentaries telling us how they can't make these beautiful people look bad but still try, and how their choice of music to end the different episodes all makes a different to how they want the audience to feel. Showing adultry, racism, sexism, and harrassment as just another day in the office, Mad Men is one of the most fascinating character studies on AMC and TV for that matter and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

Fast & Furious (2009) (Blu Ray) - 8/10

Though not as good as the original, at least they brought back the cast and have bigger action scenes this time out. Fast & Furious is exactly what the title says and actually starts with a pretty impressive action scene of stealing gas tankers and then goes downhill from there. The racing scenes are not repetivite at least and they crash enough cars to keep me interested but there wasn't enough balance b/w action and character development to really see the changes they go through as honorable. I like the cars, girls, rap music they play to keep the story moving but the villians is predictable and the cops are just cut out losers who are beaten by a bunch of meatheads. Fun movie to turn your brain off and it looks fantastic in Blu Ray, nevertheless I don't think it's the last and best this series has to offer.