Katie's Movie Review - February 2008

I've been fighting off bronchitis for the last couple of weeks and all of these movies were watched during my suffering. This does not mean I wasn't paying attention but it does mean I had a lot more patience. If you find that I am way off base with any of these reviews; now you understand why.

Otherwise, I stand firm in my opinions below and hope you will find them helpful. If not, you can at least mock me silently and reap some enjoyment from your time spent here.

How to Eat Fried Worms (2006)

During the first day of his new school year, a fifth grade boy squares off against a bully and winds up accepting a dare that could change the balance of power within the class.

RECOMMEND (FOR KIDS)

Some movies designed for kids can be just as enjoyable for adults as well - this wasn't one of them. It's a classic story from a book I loved as a kid, but as an adult it just didn't hold up. The characters were delightful on screen and the relationships were well thought out but the humor was, well childish.

The Reaping (2007)

A former Christian missionary, who specializes in debunking religious phenomena, investigates a small town which seems to be suffering from the 10 biblical plagues.

RECOMMEND

I expected this movie to suck, but it pleasantly surprised me. The characters were enjoyable to watch, the plot kept moving forward at a nice pace and the scenery was engaging. I liked that they created a simple nightmarish backstory for Swank's character but didn't harp on it throughout the movie.

Eastern Promises (2007)

The film follows the mysterious and ruthless Nikolai , who is tied to one of London's most notorious organized crime families. His carefully maintained existence is jarred when he crosses paths with Anna, an innocent midwife trying to right a wrong, who accidentally uncovers potential evidence against the family. Now Nikolai must put into motion a harrowing chain of murder, deceit, and retribution.

RECOMMEND

I was unsure going into this movie because I'm not a big fan of 'mob movies' or anything too dramatic. Regardless, I was quickly won over. Nikolai as a character was compelling, but a bit easy to figure out early on. The movie is intense in a very quietly creeping way. The one exception is an explosive fight scene that takes place in a steam room (by a fully nude Viggo Mortensen might I add). Definitely worth the rental price.

The Nines (2007)

A troubled actor, a television show runner, and an acclaimed videogame designer find their lives intertwining in mysterious and unsettling ways.

NOT RECOMMEND

It is with a sad heart that I don't recommend this movie. I REALLY wanted to like this movie. I tried to find a way to recommend it, but I just can't. The horrible thing is that I don't know why. The acting was outstanding, especially Melissa McCarthy and Ryan Reynolds. The ending was satisfactory as well. This movie just didn't spin me like I expected it would I guess. It felt like there was a lot of time spent on characters just to prove a point at the ending. I liked the premise and they did have a story there, but it just fell a bit flat.

Kickin It Old Skool (2007)

A young breakdancer hits his head during a talent show and slips into a coma for twenty years. Waking up in 2006, he looks to revive his and his team's career with the help of his girlfriend and his parents.

STAY AWAY
Yup, I got mine. At the movie store I picked up the DVD case and laughed at it in mockery. Then I saw a trailer come on the movie channel and said, "Hmm, maybe I should give it a shot." I'm glad I didn't pay for this movie - that's at least something. I am very disappointed because I love Jamie Kennedy and Michael Rosenbaum. Even with them in it, this movie was a trainwreck. The script was horrible, the jokes were ridiculously flat, and it shoved good actors into a level below "camp." A positive thing? You'll see some good dancing but not until the end of the movie. Unfortunately anyone that doesn't have the patience of a rock won't make it that far.

Katie's Movie Review - January 2008