X-Men: First Class (2011)

3.5 / 5 Jun '11
Tagline: Witness the origin
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Written by: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz
Actors include: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Length: 132 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I wouldn't say I'm a big fan of the series, though I've barely explored it. I saw the first X-Men movie back when it came out, thought it was alright but never bothered with any of the sequels. Luckily for me this is filmed in such a way that seeing the first film was all I really needed. It goes back to the '60s when Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr were friends and learning to use their powers together. Together they recruit other mutants and start teaching them to use the power within to try to stop a missile crisis that could blow destroy everything. Be prepared for a ton of neat action sequences, some cheesy montages, and of course some neat mutant activity. They also did a rather good job of tying it into the first movie (heck even Wolverine makes a cameo which is the best part of the film) and yet it didn't feel like they were retreading. I did feel it went on a little long, and a bit of trimming from the beginning wouldn't have hurt, but for the most part it was satisfying and it covered a lot of territory. It's made me curious what I've missed with the other sequels, that is for sure.

Availability:  Still in theatres currently

Priest (2011)

3 / 5  May '11 
Tagline:  The War is Eternal. His Mission is Just the Beginning.
Directed by:  Scott Charles Stewart
Written by:  Cory Goodman, Min-Woo Hyung
Actors include:  Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q
Genre:  Thriller, Horror, Action, Western
Length:  87 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:
Well, this was my first ever 3D movie in the theater, and unfortunately it didn't really utilize this tool very effectively but it did add a nice touch or two.  The particularly stellar part was the Gothic animation in the beginning sequences, it's too bad they didn't use more of this throughout the film.  What they did use were CGI vampires that resembled Marilyn Manson, ridiculously laughable script ("Kill 'Em All") and some of the most implausible action sequences (oh I'm talking about you stones thrown into the air that were used as steps) I think I've ever seen.  Conceptually it's decent enough, it's about a war that occurred between humanity and vampires and Priests were the saviors of humans.  They have since disbarred and been outcast in society and must work demeaning tasks.  The vampires were supposedly vanquished (note I said "supposedly") which leads us to our next problem.  A family are brutalized and a daughter Lucy held captive by vampires, of course the way this works is that a Priest is related to her.  He must leave his Priesthood in order to kick some butt and save Lucy with a little help from a fella called Hicks.  Anyhow it is filled with action...and if you like scenes were people glide around on bikes in the snow for long stretches...you will love this movie.  There were at least a few redeeming qualities to this, the visuals were striking and the plot was okay.  Maybe not exactly my cup-o-tea but not worth writing off entirely.

Availability:  Still in theaters

Hanna (2011)

4 / 5 May '11 
Tagline:  Young. Sweet. Innocent. Deadly
Directed by:  Joe Wright
Written by:  Seth Lochhead, David Farr
Actors include:  Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana
Genre:  Thriller, Action
Length:  111 minutes
Banned:  Nope

 Review:
I hadn't really heard about this film before going to see it, but I sure was glad that i did.  It does echo Leon (The Professional) in subject matter, but stylistically it's quite refreshing and unique.  The story is about a sixteen year old girl named Hanna (shocked aren't you?) who is raised out in the wilderness to be an elite assassin.  We watch her be tested physically, emotionally and intellectually daily in preparation for what is to follow.  It's fascinating as she was raised basically in isolation there are the challenges of modern day and other people to contend with as well as the struggle for survival.  The visuals are very crisp, much of it was filmed in desolate snowy Finland which is quite breathtaking.  It's rather well paced (though a little condensing wouldn't have hurt) as well as decently acted and I really thought it was quite entertaining, definitely recommended.

Availability:  In theatres still

Hobo With A Shotgun (2011)

3.5 / 5  May '11
Tagline:  Delivering justice, one shell at a time...
Directed by:  Jason Eisener
Written by:  John Davies, Jason Eisener
Actors include:  Rutger Hauer, Brian Downey, Molly Dunsworth
Genre:  Action, Exploitation, Crime
Length:  86 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:
Ahhh some Canuxploitation that delivers exactly what one might think judging by the title.  It's pretty much non-stop action and violence, prepare for buckets of red stuff and plenty 'o deaths by shotgun of course.  The plot is pretty simple, Hobos are getting beaten, tortured and killed by criminals that are running the streets.  One particular Hobo (Rutger Hauer) goes all Death Wish on the the thugs along with his trusty Prostitute companion Abby (Molly Dunsworth).  It's very simple and revenge is a rather trusty theme for Grindhouse pictures but this was entertaining to the hilt and jam packed with fun.  Some of the bonding between Abby and the Hobo could have been whittled down a tad but really that is my only big criticism.  If you are looking for a nice graphic little splatter film to pass the time, this is well worth checking out.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray