In Time

In Time, previously titled Now and I'm.mortal is a 2011 dystopian science fiction action film starring Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde, Alex Pettyfer, Johnny Galecki, and Vincent Kartheiser. The film, written, directed and produced by Andrew Niccol, was released on October 28, 2011. The film was met with mixed reviews from critics but became a box office success. (From Wikipedia)

My Review

In Time brings a whole new meaning to the saying “time is money”. In this futuristic, action film the world has found a way to be immortal, but there is a catch, you have to have enough time to pay to live forever. At age twenty-five everyone is given a year of time which shows up on their arm with glowing numbers, counting down the person's fate. From that point on, their face will not age nor will their body get old and tired. Everyone is immortal, that is as long as they have enough time. 

   Instead of money they have time. The more time they have the longer they can live, but if they run out of time they die. There is no dying of old age, the only way to die is to run out of time or die by unnatural causes. 

    And as always there are the rich and the poor. The rich, that live with thousands of years at their finger tips (or should I say on their arm); living in the fancy cities, the rich control all the wealth. Then there is ones that live literally “day to day” worth of time, living in the ghettos, these people are just trying to survive another day. 

    Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) is one of the people that only have a day worth of time. He lives watching his clock tick down and is just trying to make enough time to live another day. But when he helps out a guy, that has more than a hundred years worth of time, from being robbed, Will's life is quickly turned upside down. Through this new change he is given the chance to help the ones that need it time the most. 

    

What is My Opinion of the Movie?

The plot of this movie is really what made this movie worth watching. Though it had decent action and good acting, the plot is what made this movie really good. The very concept of In Time is so interesting to me. Because so many people seek immortality, this movie shows just how dangerous living forever can be. My final conclusion for In Time is that it is a definite movie to see.

 Is This Movie Family Friendly?

There are a couple of scenes in there that makes this PG-13 movie one that I would not suggest that children nine and under should watch. There is some strong language every so often through it as well, though not a whole lot. I would give this movie a 2 ½ out of 5 for Family Friendliness.

What Would I Rate This Movie?

For the acting, I would give it 3 out of 5

The emotion in this movie I would give a 3 ½ out of 5

And the plot I would give a definite 4 ½ out of 5

All around this movie is a 7 ½ out of 10 in my opinion.

~Sincerely NuttyNinja~  

    

Red Tails

Red Tails is a 2012 war film produced by Lucasfilm and released by 20th Century Fox. The film is a fictionalized portrayal of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American United States Army Air Force (USAAF) servicemen during World War II.
Filmed in 2009, Red Tails was directed by Anthony Hemingway from a screenplay by John Ridley, with additional material shot the following year with executive producer George Lucas as director and Aaron McGruder as writer of the reshoots. Red Tails is the first Lucasfilm production since 1994 not associated with the Indiana Jones or Star Wars franchises. The film stars Cuba Gooding, Jr. (who previously starred in The Tuskegee Airmen, an HBO made-for-television film about the same group of pilots) in his first theatrical film in five years, and Terrence Howard (who portrayed a Tuskegee pilot in Hart's War), as well as Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Elijah Kelley and Ne-Yo. [Wikipedia]



Plot:
In 1944, after enduring racism throughout their recruitment and training in the Tuskegee training program, the 332d Fighter Group of young African American USAAF fighter pilots are finally sent into combat in Italy, although flying worn-out Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft. Chafing at their ground attack missions against trains and enemy ground transport, the Tuskegee Airmen recognize that they may never take on fighter-to-fighter action against the Luftwaffe. The tight-knit group of Joe "Lightning" Little (David Oyelowo), Martin "Easy" Julian (Nate Parker), Ray "Ray Gun" or "Junior" Gannon (Tristan Wilds), and Samuel "Joker" George (Elijah Kelley) under the guidance of Major Emanuel Stance (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) and Col. A.J. Bullard (Terrence Howard), face a military bureaucracy still resistant to accepting black flyers as equals. [Wikipedia]

Image courtesy of Flixist.com

Review by KnightlySamurai (avatar by angel-bunny94)

Red Tails was a decent movie in my opinion, no matter what all the other people say about it. The CGI wasn't that good, the acting was pretty bad in a few places, and the character development on-screen was barely present....but it was still somewhat decent for a historical WWII dogfight movie (there really aren't that many in the film genre). It was similar to Midway in a way, but shorter and with less blood and swearing, which I was grateful for, but they really could have done a lot more to the plot.
The best parts are obviously the actual dogfights, but the even they lacked realism (only a few of the pilots didn't act like they were in a fake plane). The white vs. black theme isn't played too roughly, as I've seen worse, but you do feel for them.
I don't have all that much else to say as I watched this film after midnight (lol), but I thought this movie decent and watchable.


What's it Rated: PG-13 for violence, a tad bit of blood, and mild language.
What do I rate it: 5 1/2 out of 10 (which would rate as "Decent" perhaps on This rating list) 
Is it worth watching: I'd say yes if you really like the type of movie, as I didn't find anything specifically wrong with it. There are worse films. XD

Header

New header concept up! Just for your information I don't own the fan-art of Ahsoka and Anakin - their pose is supposed to represent what myself (KnightlySamurai) and Enelya will have on that header eventually.

Hope you like it!


~KnightlySamurai

War Horse

Hey NuttyNinja here!
I know you are probably wondering who I am (check out my "About Me" page), because I haven't posted anything yet. Well for that I am sorry. I have been working a lot and doing a bunch of Ninjay... stuff. Yes I know that's not a word, but I don't care, hehe. Anyway I want to thank my good friend Samurai for more than taking up the slack for me since I haven't posted anything yet on Decent Movies 'R' Us (still working on the title if any of you have suggestions).  Thank you Samurai for everything!!

Now down to business. Last week I went to the movies with my family and a good friend to see War Horse.  If you don't know, the War Horse is about young thoroughbred stallion, Joey and all the experiences he goes through to get back to the boy that once owned him. This movie is placed during the beginning of World War 1 in England and France. Throughout the movie you will watch Joey go through many difficulties as he is passed from one side of the war to the next. Because of this you get to see both good and bad side to each side of the war and even get to see them sometimes work together. Through all this you get to see the love between a boy and his horse and how it can bring even enemies together.
   When I watched this movie I was definitely impressed by the acting. Even though there really wasn't what you would call big time actors in it, the acting was well done. I would say that the main character Albert Narracott (the boy that owned Joey the horse, who was played by Jeremy Irvine), I was the least impressed with, because he sometime seemed to slip out of character a couple of times, but even with that I think he did a good job. The rest of the crew was great they had several well known actors (well, at least ones I knew) like; David Thewlis, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch and many more actors that did a good job as well.
   This was just an all around good movie. It had  great plot, even if it was predictable. The background music was awesome, which was done by John Williams. The effects were well done, though there was a couple times that it was pretty obvious that the horse was CGI, but the rest was good. I was down right amazed at how well trained the horses were in this movies, for those horse fans out there you should definitely watch this movie. Even if you aren't a horse fan you will still enjoy this movie.
   There were some points that I wanted to cheer on Joey (the horse) out loud, as he is running (got to love it when horses are in full gallop). Anyway, I loved the movie, I laughed and heck almost even cried at some scenes. I would most definitely watch it again.

Parental Guide
   Though this is a great movie and I would definitely say it's a "Must see" I would not suggest that young children from the age of 9 and under watch it. It 's a PG-13 movie and it is about World War 1, so there are some scenes that could be frighting for young children. Such as: Men are are being shot down. There is a lot of war violence, though no really bloody scenes. There is one scene that a horse was running full speed into several barbered wire fences (that one made me even cringe). I don't remember much cursing if there was any, so you are good there. Other than that I would say this is a great movie for you to go see with your older children.  

Rating
For the plot I would give it a 3/5
For the acting I would give it a 4/5
For the emotion in it I would give it a 4/5

For all around I would give it 8/10


Signed, NuttyNinja ;-)

The Adventures of Tintin

(wikipedia) The Adventures of Tintin (also known as The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn) is a 2011 American performance capture 3D film based on The Adventures of Tintin, a series of comic books created by Belgian artist Hergé (Georges Remi). Directed by Steven Spielberg, produced by Peter Jackson, and written by Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish, the film is based on three of the original comic books: The Crab with the Golden Claws (1941), The Secret of the Unicorn (1943), and Red Rackham's Treasure (1944). It is also the first animated film Spielberg has directed.

Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on an adventure involving gold and an old legend about a ship Haddock's ancestor commanded.

Tintin is a kid detective apparently, he had a ton of newspaper clippings from adventures he did before this event comes into play plastered on the wall, which left me wondering where the comics are online. ;-D

This movie had to be the most AMAZINGLY made CGI-character movie I have ever seen. It almost didn't look like CGI, but real life! I saw a bit of that kind of animation in Happy Feet 2, but it was hard to tell which was better.

Personally, I thought the story lacked in a few areas, but it was a pretty good and enjoyable movie even if it is aimed at a specific age group (the amount of alcohol wouldn't be wise for those under 10, and the action doesn't quite seem late-teen worthy).

The parts I didn't like other than the drinking were the one's where Haddock or the 2 coppers are doing incredibly stupid things - the coppers are horribly lacking in brain capacity (which was hilarious, and also annoying at the same time) - but that may just be because I'm not a big fan of characters getting embarrassed (I seem to "feel for them" in a way, and it's not comfortable, lol).

Negative Elements:
Lot's of drinking. Haddock wasn't really sober unless he was drinking, yet at other times he was kinda crazy when he was drinking....very odd, and PG material definitely.

Otherwise, I enjoyed the movie about as much as anyone would a Hardy Boys book, since the action is similar I think. Did the Hardy boys ever use a bazooka? In Morocco? lol.

Samurai Rating: 4/5 stars or less for family friendliness, but it probably rates a decent 4 overall on the account that although it wasn't as intriguing as it could of been, the animation and quality were very good..
On a 10-scale (I kinda want to maybe switch) it'd probably be a 7/10.

Sherlock Holmes 1 and 2

This entry is for both movies.

(Wikipedia) Sherlock Holmes is a 2009 British-American action mystery film based on the character of the same name created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The film was directed by Guy Ritchie and produced by Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey and Dan Lin. The screenplay by Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham and Simon Kinberg was developed from a story by Lionel Wigram and Michael Robert Johnson. Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law portray Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson respectively. In the film, Holmes and his companion Watson, with aid from former adversary Irene Adler, investigate a series of murders connected to occult rituals. Mark Strong plays the villain Lord Blackwood, who has somehow returned after his execution with a plot to take over the world using an arsenal of dark arts and new technologies.

(Wikipedia) Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (aka Sherlock Holmes 2) is a 2011 British-American action mystery film directed by Guy Ritchie and produced by Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey, and Dan Lin. It is a sequel to the 2009 film Sherlock Holmes, based on the character of the same name created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The screenplay is written by Kieran Mulroney and Michele Mulroney. Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law reprise their roles as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, respectively, as the duo join forces to outwit and bring down their most cunning adversary, Professor Moriarty, played by Jared Harris. The film is specifically influenced by Conan Doyle's work The Final Problem, but it is an independent story rather than a strict adaptation.

Plot Excerpts (Wikipedia):
Sherlock Holmes One: In 1891, London detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) and his partner and flatmate Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) race to prevent the ritual murder of a woman by Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong), who has killed five other young women similarly. They stop the murder before Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan) and the police arrive to arrest Blackwood.

Three months later, Holmes' eccentric behavior again annoys Watson. While he enjoys their adventures together, Watson looks forward to marrying Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly) and leaving 221B Baker Street. Meanwhile, Blackwood has been sentenced to death and requests to see Holmes in prison, where he warns of three more unstoppable deaths that will cause great changes to the world. Blackwood is subsequently hanged and pronounced dead by Watson. Three days later, Holmes is visited by Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), a professional thief and his former adversary, who asks him to find a missing man named Luke Reordan. After her departure, Holmes follows her as she meets with her secret employer, hidden in the shadows of a carriage. The concealed man states that Reordan is the key to Blackwood's plans. Holmes only learns that the man is a professor and that he intimidates Adler.....etc, etc.

Sherlock Holmes Two (A Game of Shadows): In 1891, Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) delivers a package to Dr. Hoffmanstahl—payment for a letter he was to deliver. Hoffmanstahl opens the package, triggering a hidden bomb which is prevented from detonating by the intervention of Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.). Holmes takes the letter and disposes of the bomb while Adler and Hoffmanstahl escape. Holmes later finds Hoffmanstahl assassinated. Adler meets with Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris) to explain the events, but Moriarty poisons her with fast-acting tuberculosis—deeming her position compromised by her love for Holmes.

Some time later, Dr. Watson (Jude Law) arrives at 221B Baker Street, where Holmes discloses that he is investigating a series of seemingly unrelated murders, terrorist attacks, and business acquisitions, that he has connected to Moriarty. Holmes meets with the gypsy Simza (Noomi Rapace), the intended recipient of the letter he had taken from Adler, sent by her brother Rene. Holmes defeats an assassin sent to kill Simza, but she flees before Holmes can interrogate her. After Mary (Kelly Reilly) and Watson's wedding, Holmes meets Moriarty for the first time. Moriarty informs Holmes that he murdered Adler and will kill Watson and Mary if Holmes' interference continues...etc, etc

I liked both of these movies, with different parts better in each. In number One the cool scientific stuff behind a lot of the How'd-he-survive-that moments was really nice, and in Two the intense fight action, explosions, and slow-motion (not something you usually see in a detective movie) were amazingly done.
One downside to number Two though is that Holmes seems even more eccentric (if that's possible) - and although there is more action there isn't as much cool geeky science stuff that I so much like in number one.
I really should read the original books, as they say A Game of Shadows is only loosely based on any original works and that the author had plans of actually killing off Holmes (O.o).
Holmes in general when I first watched these movies seemed out of character - as I had at first thought Watson was more of the thinker of the two - though Holmes is so amazingly aware, smart, and oddly psychic when it comes to fighting that you just ignore his eccentricity and still like him.

Though both movies have semi-nude scenes that I don't like, number Two also has some weird parts where Holmes is dressed as a lady - and doesn't fit the part well so it seems kind of gross.

The part from number One where Holmes is boxing is one of it's best parts in my opinion, though in number Two the action scenes are much more sad (as a few minor French characters die) - though I am a big fan of Holme's wedding present to Watson, lol (Holmes almost dies twice [actually three] throughout).

The "bad-guy" in the 2nd movie (Moriarty) is much more agreeable and less menacing than the occultic Blackwood of the first, and as a secondary character I actually like the gypsy Simza (shown left) better than Holmes' "lover" Irene Adler, even if she isn't that good a fighter.


All in all I probably enjoyed number Two better (the occult stuff in One is a real turn-off), but only slightly so I shall still rate them both a 4 out of 5 stars - even if number Two is more solid in that rating than One.

Now, the best quotes? I don't remember any specific one's from number One at the moment, but from number Two when the ex-British Army sniper says "That's not fair!" during the gun showdown between him and Watson is a good one, and I laughed out loud. XD

Happy Feet 2

(Wikipedia) Happy Feet Two is a 2011 American-Australian 3D computer-animated family film directed by George Miller, who co-directed the original film Happy Feet. The film is a sequel to Happy Feet and stars Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Pink, Sofía Vergara, Common, Hugo Weaving, Richard Carter, Magda Szubanski and Anthony LaPaglia. Dr. D Studios in Sydney, Australia produced the film, which premiered in North American theaters on November 18, 2011 in Digital 3D and IMAX 3D.

Plot (me)

Erik, son of the penguins Mumble and Gloria, is reluctant to try dancing as most of the penguins in Emperor-Land do. Erik's first attempt at dancing embarrasses and outcasts him from the rest of the penguins. The story unfolds as Eric and a few friends follow Ramon to his part of Antartica, his father trying to get them back, and a glacier impacting and trapping the populace of Emperor-Land.

I wasn't actually expecting to watch this movie (Sherlock 2 was after it in the drive-in theater, and we thought it was the starting film), and I wasn't impressed with the trailer for it what-so-ever - but it surprised me by being almost as good as number one.

Eric's character needed a little more work, though his singing voice is good. The first song he did was pretty funny since the lyrics were sooo not what should go with that singing style (notice I'm not going to tell you what the style is, lol, you'll just have to watch it).

The addition of the Krill characters I thought was nice, too. They added some color to it, as well as the human crew on the Antarctic sea vessel a bit (they were amazingly animated too, by the way. Almost looked real when they were searching for Lovelace in the water later in the story).

My sister and I (Samurai) both rated this a solid 3 out of 5, but for younger kids I'm sure it would make a good 4 out of 5.
Another thing that's funny though, since we were watching this movie at the drive-in on Christmas the temperature was around 38 to 40 degrees! The cold fit with the snowy theme, lol.