Directed By: Sylvester Stallone
Year: 2006
Genre: Action/Drama/Sport
Rating: PG
Runtime: 102

The people’s champ takes one final shot to prove his greatness, can the senior citizen deliver a knockout or throw in the towel?

Being a strong Rocky fan I was stoked to hear that this one was in the making. After the initial excitement wore off something hit me, Sylvester Stallone is like 50 something now, how’s he going to pull this off. Well though it’s not one of the best in the series it does deliver with a modern feel to bring in maybe some new fans of the series.

Rocky Balboa is no longer a fighter, instead he owns his very own restaurant where he converses with the customers through some old fighting stories of his. Adrian has passed away so the only one left from the original series other than Rocky is good ol Paulie, played by Paul Young.

On the antagonist end is the hot shop up and comer Mason ‘The Line’ Dixon, played by Antonio Tarver. When ESPN puts together a CGI bout between Rocky and Dixon the result is Rocky coming out on top. This gets a slue of attention from the Dixon promoters to get old versus new.

When the fight is setup it prepares the audience for one last Rocky underdog fight.

The story within the action is Rocky trying to regain the relationship he had with his son whom is now a high paying serious business person.

This one is a little cornier then the others as there are a lot of lines meant to be motivating but just seem a little out of place. You are still thrown a montage of Rocky bulking up and getting in shape but in this one it’s not so much something we want to see as Stallone is a much older man now.

The movie wasn’t amazing and doesn’t live up to the older Rocky movies mainly because of the age of Stallone. It does deliver an entertaining and nostalgic feel. It brings an end to the much beloved franchise which is definitely at its end of the road but it doesn’t go out on an embarrassing note.

For fans of the series, it will bring them one last montage but those who have not yet seen all the previous Rocky movies they may find this one to be a little on the lighter side and cheesy.

It’s not a knockout but it sticks hangs in there the whole time though not having Eye of the Tiger was kind of disappointing.

May 25th, 2007
Categories: General Review . Author: CBumeter . Comments: 1 Comment
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Genre: Horror/Thriller
Year: 2004
Rating: R
Runtime: 79 minutes

Open Water is a catastrophe of waiting and waiting and waiting for more only to reveal a lackluster result.

When the trailers ran for Open Water it seemed like a movie with a lot of potential that could bring back the fear of going in the water since the days of Jaws. This is farther from the truth. It may cause you to possibly think twice about scuba diving you’re more than likely to disregard this film providing you stay awake through the whole thing.

The movie’s premise is a couple decides to go on vacation and take on the activity of scuba diving. While on the trip they are accidentally stranded and left floating in the ocean for much of the movie. The psychological thriller has a good idea going but it really doesn’t deliver with something that can really get attached into your head and make your really frightened or worried.

Though this film is based on a true story the way it’s gone about gives too little to the audience to stay interested.

There is a plus to this film and it’s the cinematography or almost lack of. The film was made with a very small crew to give it more of a raw look. There was also absolutely no CGI in the film so all the sharks that were in the movie are real. The actors were actually put in the water at the same time with the sharks during the scenes.

The problem with this movie is that it never really becomes really intense or nerve racking. Now this isn’t supposed to be a monster type movie with a giant villain but it still never really delivers. It may give a scare to a few out there but for the most part it will put most to sleep. Might want to skip this one and look for another thriller to checkout.

May 24th, 2007
Categories: General Review . Author: CBumeter . Comments: No Comments
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Director: Gavin O’Conner
Genre: Drama/Family
Year: 2004
Rated: PG
Runtime: 135 minutes

With the 2007 NHL Playoffs under way I felt it only natural to review a movie in response to it, Miracle.

This film is based on the 1980 USA Olympic Team which upset the Soviets without ever been given a chance. This is one of the better hockey films out there. Disney has done a great job capturing the authenticity of the game and the camera work is phenomenal.

Kurt Russell plays USA coach Herb Brooks. If photos are held up to each other they resemble each other very closely. Some of the players on the team were also played by some of the actual players sons which gives then not only the look but an even better idea of what the actual player was like.

The film begins prior to the olympics when the original tryout is held and goes all the way up to the big game against the Soviets. Along the way the players really gain their own personality and have the audience rooting for them each game.

This film gave me the chills when the crowd began the U-S-A chant. It’s a very patriotic film in a way, it gets you really loving your United States.

For any sports fans out there this is a must see. It really delivers in realism as well as being very compelling. Good family film but good for all ages.

May 23rd, 2007
Categories: General Review . Author: CBumeter . Comments: No Comments
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Directed by: Liam Lynch
Genre: Comedy
Year: 2006
Rated: R
Runtime: 93 minutes

The band moves from the stage to the big screen in a musical/cinema extravaganza.

Jack Black and Kyle Gas star in this take on the origins of the band and their search for the mythical “Pick of Destiny.” The movie begins with Jack Black moving to California where he meets Kyle Gas whom he becomes fascinated with his ability. Kyle tells him in order to join “KG’s” band he must go through training in the art of rock.

The movie has a few good laughs for those in their late teens early 20’s. Doesn’t offer too great of a story as it’s pretty generic. Band forms and they must find the object that will make them a great rock band.

This movie does shine in the array of Tenacious D songs that can be found throughout the film and also help narrate it. Though they’re not serious songs they’re typical comedic Tenacious D flavor. Any musician could appreciate this movie and those fans of Tenacious D may as well. Many outside of that may see it as a kind of flop. It is a casual rent but not much of a buy.

May 22nd, 2007
Categories: General Review . Author: CBumeter . Comments: No Comments
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Directed by: Shawn Levy
Genre: Action/Comedy/Family
Rated: PG
Runtime: 108 minutes

Night at the Museum gives a whole new twist to history adding another hit to Ben Stiller’s resume.

Ben Stiller is known for his lovable characters whom audiences always seem to feel sorry for. Night at the Museum is definitely no different. Ben Stiller has that ability to get the crowd on his side.

The film begins with Stiller looking for a new job or else he has to move away from his son due to divorce issues. He is desperate and finds an opening as a museum night watchman. Little does he know that at a certain time after the hotel closes all of the displays come to life. Stiller is found trying to get a handle on all of the chaos from a Tyrannosaurus Rex that acts like a puppy and enjoys fetch to two civilizations born thousands of years apart trying to overthrow each other.

The film has support from comedic genius Robin Williams who plays Teddy Roosevelt. Other supporting roles include , Owen Wilson, Dick Van Dyke and a very feisty and ready to fight Gus character played by film legend Mickey Rooney.

Ben Stiller must find his way through the urge not to quit as well as the ability to get the museum under control each night. It’s a very funny film for the whole family. There aren’t many slow parts in the movie thanks in part to the strong cast throwing in various one liners.

Kids and adults alike will find the humor in this film as well as the large array of characters that help push the movie along. Definitely a film to check out.

May 21st, 2007
Categories: General Review . Author: CBumeter . Comments: No Comments
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