Review: Inception

Finally a movie that lived up to the hype. Inception is 2 hrs and 22 min of intense storytelling. My mind was stretched, but not lost. I walked out of the theater happy instead of confused, which was rather nice. Sometimes I feel that writers try too hard to be original and in the process lose their audience.

Bravo to writer/director Christopher Nolan for creating a beautifully woven story, complete with action and special effects that leave me feeling like I need to watch a making of the movie special so I can figure out how in the world half of it was done.

I would also like to congratulate the casting director. The cast was, in a word, superb. Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ken Watanabe and Cillian Murphy all starred in this film. The only thing that I had trouble with, were a couple of Ken Watanabe's lines, I couldn't understand him. Another thing that needs mentioning is the movie's score. It reminded me of Jaws. Inception has one loud base note that stands out when things get intense. If I ever hear that sound it will be impossible not to think of this film. I don't want to say anything else about the story. It is one you should experience with no preconception. Keep an open mind and go along for the ride.    A

Review: Toy Story 3

     2010 has not made for a strong year at the movies thus far. While all have not been complete busts, there has been a strong sense of being underwhelmed. Just imagine my surprise when the best film of the year so far, was brought to me courtesy of the Pixar/Disney team. Toy Story 3 had everything a good movie should have: action, plot, love, a message, comedy. It was fun from the time the 3-D glasses went on.

     I laughed, I cried (yes, I know it is a cartoon) and I loved it from beginning to end. I think we have a lock for the best animated film category at the Academy Awards. This film showed what it means to come full circle. Andy is all grown up, like many of us, and although we get older and move on to different stages of our lives, there is always another generation ready to play. Buzz, we will always be amigos.   A

Review: Twilight Saga Eclipse

     The franchise is back and better than ever. Finally a movie that closely resembles the book on which it was based. Twilight was a low budget practice run, New Moon was a vast improvement and Eclipse is what happens when the director gets it right. My expectations for Eclipse were high, and fortunately I was not disappointed.

     The music flowed, the cast learned to act, the makeup artist deserves a raise and all the key points of the book were included. All Twilight fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Since there is no need for me to give you a plot synopsis, let me just list a few of my favorite scenes.
1. Jasper's training session with the rest of the Cullen's and the wolf pack
2. The tent on the mountain
3. The night alone at the Cullen's (beware of monkey sounds escaping from the girl sitting next to you)
4. The big fight at the end
                                 5. Rosalie and Jasper's back stories

     The new additions to the series fit in quite nicely. It's a shame Bryce Dallas Howard (Victoria) won't be back. She played the character well. As for Xavier Samuel (Riley), I don't think he will have trouble finding work. Leah and Seth Clearwater were new to the wolf pack and I look forward to seeing both of them again. Now it's time to start waiting impatiently for the fourth and fifth installments. We can only hope the final two films capture the fourth book and all its story. There is, after all, a lot to cover.   B+