Kung Fu Panda (2008)

I've certainly seen worse children's movies. This had some very clever plays on the martial arts genre, as well as some not-so-clever ones... and the ending "twist" was complete nonsense. But very seldom was I annoyed with it, which is a huge step in an animated children's movie. Not a great movie (you're still better off renting something from Pixar) but not an awful one either. 3 stars.

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

I've certainly seen worse children's movies. This had some very clever plays on the martial arts genre, as well as some not-so-clever ones... and the ending "twist" was complete nonsense. But very seldom was I annoyed with it, which is a huge step in an animated children's movie. Not a great movie (you're still better off renting something from Pixar) but not an awful one either. 3 stars.

Wild Hogs (2007)

I wouldn't have watched this on my own, but I watched it with a group of friends, and a few minutes into the movie I decided it was worth seeing. The cast is a strange mix, but they combine to create a memorable cast of characters. The dialogue is clever and entertaining, and although the plot is silly, it works for the movie. Definitely a lot of fun and worth the watch. 3.5 stars.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

Why, yes, I got to see this. And in 3-D, no less. Oooh ooh. Okay, basically, this movie wasn't annoying so much as it was just silly. Talk about suspension of disbelief. Everything was done with a subtle breaking of the fourth wall to try and make us laugh at how silly the plotline is... a style I don't care for in most movies, and certainly not in this one. However, plot aside, there were some fun adventure moments. I could see my little brothers really liking it. But to anyone who's not a ten-year-old boy, this movie really doesn't have much to offer. 2 stars.

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

Oh, my gosh. The world is clearly at an end. Adam Sandler made a movie that didn't make me want to punch him in the face. Who knew this was even possible? But, no, this was actually a very entertaining movie. Adam Sandler's character actually seemed to have a soul in this movie. Although the movie as a whole was a little too disjointed-indie-movie, the characters were watchable and the story pleasant. Odd movie, but worth seeing. 3.5 stars.

Deceiver (1997)

This movie tries to be a shocking mind-bending thriller, but all the twists simply make the movie convoluted without any clear resolution. The ending brings confusion rather than a moment of, "Wow, I didn't see that coming!" Several of the plot points seem contrived, although this may have been deliberate in showing the unbelievable deceptions that the two key characters try to pass off to each other. Tim Roth delivers a magnificent performance, however, and the movie is possibly worth watching just for him. 3 stars.

Down with Love (2003)

Seldom have I seen a movie that tried so hard and came so close. Ewan McGregor and Renee Zelleweger portray very likeable and entertaining characters who you actually *want* to end up with each other. However, those performances can't make up for the abysmal script and nonsensical plot. Perhaps it was meant as a tribute to old screwball comedies, but while those were able to take these stories and somehow make them seem like the most natural thing in the world, Down With Love makes it clear that the screenwriters were struggling to tie it all together. If only these same two characters, played by the same two actors (throwing in David Hyde Pierce and Sarah Paulson in their respective parts) could have been placed in a different movie... 2.5 stars.