Daybreakers

Release Date: Jan 08, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min. 

Director: Peter Spierig, Michael Spierig 

Cast: Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill, Claudia Karvan, Michael Dorman, Vince Colosimo.

If there is one way of capitalizing on the vampire genre for the grown-up audience, it's making a film that's the very antithesis of "Twilight" and turning everyone into bloodsuckers. This is the case, in the year 2019, when everyone has tiny, yellow irises and are jonesing for hemo-spiked coffee. The human population is dwindling and only Ethan Hawke, a researcher, can save our race from extinction. And you thought you had it bad at work. Though the premise is intriguing and traveling beyond typical vampire stories, the substantial plot-holes outweigh any good. There is no in-depth explanation as to how everyone came to be night-dwellers or why this supposed 'cure' works the way it does. There's also a fine difference between being tasteful and being kitschy when it comes to hardcore gore, the film falling into the latter part. After all the cheap scare tactics and bloody appendages, the story abruptly ends with what could be discerned as a setup for a sequel. Or just the end product of the filmmakers being too lazy to finish the script. Either way, I need a long-needed break from fangs or anyone named Edward. 

Rating: 1½ stars

Sherlock Holmes

Release Date: Dec 25, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 14 min. 

Director: Guy Ritchie 

Cast: Robert Downey, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Eddie Marsan, Robert Maillet.

To some, Sherlock Holmes can come off as a dull and bookish detective, but this newly modernized and stylized Holmes begs to differ. Though he still uses sharp observation and deductive reasoning, the unabashed humor of Robert Downey Jr. adds a welcomed element. Together with Jude Law as Dr. Watson, the on-screen chemistry is rock solid. The film moves at break-neck speed amid all the mystery and casual banter, though at times feels too convoluted for its own good. After all the twists and turns of the plot itself, the culmination appears almost too elementary. Still, watching the clues pieces together through the brilliant mind of Holmes is gratifying to say the least. As more questions get answered, more are left unresolved. Until next time, case reopened. 

Rating: 3½ stars

Avatar

 Release Date: Dec 18, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 30 min. 

Director: James Cameron 

Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez.

If ever there was a film that sets standards and leaps new bounds, it's James Cameron's latest dream project, "Avatar." So much hype and speculation has surrounded this film for years before we even saw any indication of what it was about. Now, we've become acquainted with a new and spectacular world that rivals even the greats such as "Star Wars" and "Lord of the Rings." While the story itself focuses on a simplistic goal and purpose, the characters and their surroundings are really what make this film so engaging. From beginning to end, the visuals are absolutely breathtaking, allowing you to immerse yourself like never before. Every detail, every movement is so believable that in anyone's mind, this fictional world of Pandora and the Na'vi really exists. James Horner's score is beautifully crafted as a backdrop to each scene. The only negative, if I had to nitpick, is the story in which the originality falls a bit short. Having watched "Ferngully" as a child, this film greatly draws from similar themes. Nevertheless, "Avatar" easily surpasses expectations and is quick to become a cult favorite. With two more sequels on the horizon, James Cameron will have fans in the palm of his hand for the next few years. 

Rating: 4½ stars

It's Complicated

Release Date: Dec 25, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 54 min. 

Director: Nancy Meyers 

Cast: Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin, Lake Bell, John Krasinski.

From the writer/director of "Something's Gotta Give" comes yet another comedy about the inevitable mid-life crisis and the pitfalls it entails. Only this time around, two exes learn the complicated way of reconciliation. Nancy Meyers films tend to replicate ideas and characters but somehow always manage to be refreshing at the same time. Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin make a great oddball pair, providing humor that ranges from chuckles to guffaws. However, John Krasinski is the real scene-stealer with his quirky mannerism. The only character that feels out of place is the replacement wife, Lake Bell, who always appears to have a stoic expression and no personality. She probably just needed some of that 'high' Steve Martin so rightly enjoyed. With all the big blockbusters this year, or just this month alone, "It's Complicated" was a nice departure and end to 2009. 

Rating: 3½ stars

Up

Release Date: May 29, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 36 min. 

Director: Pete Docter 

Cast: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Bob Peterson, Jordan Nagai.

Take an old man as a protagonist, a chubby Asian kid as a sidekick, a house as a makeshift blimp and you get yet another Pixar success. The story may look and sound absurd, but the film is far from being irrelevant. The main character's back story delves deep into human nature and how we cope with life's struggles and ends. There is a mixture of emotion in every scene, tearing at the heartstrings or even making a grown man giggle (I heard him behind me). The path of rediscovery with an unlikely duo keeps a level of excitement throughout despite some pitfalls. The talking dogs as the villains and the gazillion balloons that never seem to diminish appear implausible, but animation allows for such exaggeration. In the end, you're left with a feeling of hope that maybe someday you can have what Carl Fredricksen had: love, adventure, and...squirrel! 

Rating: 4½ stars

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Release Date: Jun 24, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 30 min. 

Director: Michael Bay 

Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn.

Michael Bay wasn't joking when he said he was going to add double the explosions, action scenes and robots. I really wish he was though. The first hour is instant pandemonium, robots fighting here and there and Megan Fox in all her glory. You couldn't concentrate on a single aspect of the film which may have helped people from realizing that the story was absolute gibberish. Only then did it get slightly better when things slowed down a bit, if that's even possible. In comparison to the first film, the Autobots are more agressive and badass this time around, even if they're still outnumbered 10 to 1 by Decepticons. Some new robots are questionable, ie. The Twins, but the addition of Devastator is quite awesome. I just wish there was more of a cohesive plot to follow rather than overdosing on special effects, some of which was absolutely unnecessary. Even the acting was a bit over the top. Megan Fox, you are not a dramatic actress. At least John Turturro returned to lighten the mood. Until next time: Autobots, roll out! 

Rating: 2 stars

The Blind Side

Release Date: Nov 20, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 6 min. 

Director: John Hancock 

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Jae Head, Lily Collins.

If Sandra Bullock was planning on a comeback, this is the way to do it. She was surprisingly good in "The Proposal" over the summer and her latest attempt may be the best performance of her shabby career. In a typical 'based on a true story' fashion, the film takes a boy from the slums and gives him a second chance at life. Newcomer, Quinton Aaron, plays a convincing and lovable Big Mike who only looks intimidating on the outside but carries a huge heart. Enter the Touhys who see the potential of an athlete and a new edition to the family. Despite the dramatic angle the film distributors led with, it has an abundant amount of humor and light-heartedness. Emotions reach a high when the actual Michael Oher is seen in his claim to fame through various clips. With all said and done, this 'feel good movie' will actually leave you feeling good. 

Rating: 4 stars

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Release Date: Nov 20, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 1 min. 

Director: Chris Weitz 

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed, Ashley Greene, Rachelle Lefevre.

Already gathering acclaim at the box office, the second installment of the "Twilight" series shows little but some improvement. Yes, the dialogue is cheesy and the acting questionable. But every once in awhile it comes off as humorous which helps balance out the teenage angst. Kristen Stewart spends a great deal of time moping around and being awkward so any form of relief is nice. Director Chris Weitz stuck pretty close to the book this time around but deviated away from the world Catherine Hardwicke created on an even lower budget. Because of this, the film appeared flat in some scenes and the music sounded too conventional. The action sequences were better choreographed from what little was actually in the book. Still, unless you're a die-hard fan, these films will do nothing but make you feel queasy. All this mushy romance and longing are suitable for teenage girls...and Twi-moms. 

Rating: 2 stars

2012

Release Date: Nov 13, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 38 min. 

Director: Roland Emmerich 

Cast: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt.

Seems like Emmerich was saving all the best, and worst, for last when he decided to end the world. According to the Mayan calendar, the world as we know it ceases to exist in 2012 and that may be for the best if movies become this formulaic. Despite impending doom, the people were backdrops rather than the focus of the storyline. The main characters somehow inexplicably avoided attacks thrown by mother nature, always escaping in the most impossible manner. At one point, I literally cried out, "seriously?," before remembering that this is, in fact, a movie. The special effects, however, were pretty mind-blowing. They were like all of Emmerich's movies combined and then packed with steroids. If it weren't for the amazing catastrophes, it would have just been a bunch of people running around with bad dialogue. But don't worry, he plans on spinning a tv series off of this so you can relive the adventure every week. Who said the end of the world had to be dreary. 

Rating: 2 stars

Paranormal Activity

Release Date: Oct 02, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 39 min.

Director: Oren Peli 

Cast: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Amber Armstrong, Ashley Palmer.

Word of caution, this film is not for the faint of heart or health. From shaky camera angles to eerie silences, there's no need for gore or masked killers to make this film psychologically terrifying. Even the most subtle movements can leave a person paranoid to be alone. Newbie director, Oren Peli, makes great use of what he has: low budget, no namers, and a creaky house. The couple's emotions, while tense and erratic, come off as genuinely unscripted. The only drawback to the film may be all the built-up suspense for the finale, in which it ends abruptly. Nevertheless, the looming black screen with no end credits leaves enough room for guess work and the inevitable wave of uncertainty. Makes you think twice about any bumps in the night. 

Rating: 4 stars

Zombieland

Release Date: Oct 02, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 21 min. 

Director: Ruben Fleischer 

Cast: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Amber Heard.

Yet another zombie film to add to the roster, but one that deserves some recognition of revival. Welcome to "Zombieland," where it's every man for himself and you either 'nut up or shut up.' The cast is delightfully perfect, headed by twinkie-obsessed Woody Harrelson and Michael Cera's doppelganger, Jesse Eisenberg. Even Abigail Breslin sheds her childhood persona to take down zombies with a semi-automatic. You can expect gore-galore but with unabashed humor that goes a long way. If "Superbad" was a predecessor to the end of civilization, this would be the outcome. Overall, pure brainless-fun with the undead. 

Rating: 4 stars

Surrogates

Release Date: Sep 25, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 29 min. 

Director: Jonathan Mostow 

Cast: Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell, Rosamund Pike, Boris Kodjoe, James Ginty.

Think “iRobot” meets “Minority Report” and you get a futuristic, sci-fi thriller called “Surrogates.” As the name implies, people use androids to vicariously live their lives until one day, they start getting picked-off one by one. Enter Bruce Willis (with hair) to save the day. While the concept is highly entertaining, the film itself never really takes off in terms of action. The plot moves steadily and easily thanks to its predictable nature. With most of the actors portraying robots, the acting can get stale after awhile. The film could have greatly benefited from more character and story development since it only clocked in at 89 minutes. But glad that Willis is back to doing what he does best. Getting beat up and stopping bad guys. 

Rating: 2 stars

Jennifer's Body

Release Date: Sep 18, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 42 min. 

Director: Karyn Kusama 

Cast: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Simmons, Adam Brody, Sal Cortez.

After writing the Oscar-winning screenplay for “Juno,” I’m sure there was a great amount of pressure on Diablo Cody to produce a decent follow-up. Unfortunately, the pressure seems to have gotten the best of her, giving us a rather flat horror-comedy. This genre is especially tough to convey successfully as seen in past years. While the story appears dark and twisted, Cody struggles to find a balance between providing enough laughs and scare tactics. Megan Fox, as the titular character Jennifer, tries to prove she has more to offer than looks alone, but fails through pouts and vacant expressions. Still, I give Cody credit for doing a cynical take on feminine power and female relationships. It just wasn’t enough to top a pregnant teen with a sarcastic mouth. 

Rating: 1½ stars