View on Film- Movie Reviews w/ Jason Valentine: 2011

Monday, December 26, 2011

The Best/Worst of 2011 - View on Film

Here's my look at the Best, and the Worst of 2011!

Leave me your loves/hates in the comments!
Happy New Year!

Jason

My Best/Worst of 2011

New on DVD 12/27 - View on Film

Good Tuesday! Hope everyone had a nice Holiday, and are gearing up for a fun New Year's!
We have a very light list for video today, and they happen to be two horror films.

Apollo 18

This is another one of the "missing video" horror films, much like the Paranormal Activity movies. This one, is about a secret Apollo missing that goes horribly wrong. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a low 23%.

Final Destination 5

More of the same from the Final Destination series. This is supposedly the final installment of the series. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a slightly good 61%.

Have a great New Year everyone!

Cheers!

Jason

Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - View on Film

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Haven't read the books, but I was looking forward to seeing what the fuss was all about!

Below is my review!

Happy Holidays.

Cheers!

Jason

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

New on DVD 12/20 - View on Film

Good Tuesday morning everyone! And Happy Holidays as well! Here's what's new on the last video release before Christmas. And one of my favorite films of the year comes out!

Warrior

I loved this film! Don't judge a movie by its poster. This movie is a great look at brother's, with an Oscar worthy performance by Tom Hardy. BTW, he will be the big bad in the next Batman film out next year. I loved it, one of the best films of the year!

Must be logged into Facebook to see Video.

Dolphin Tale

This family tale based on a true story, tells the story of saving a dolphin, by using a replacement tail for the Dolphin. Rotten Tomatoes currently has the film at 83%.

Glee- The Concert Movie

Having never seen the show, I'm obviously not in the demographic for this movie. Oddly enough, this FOX hit absolutely stiffed in the theaters. Rotten Tomatoes has it at 60%.....for fans only.

Enjoy the Holiday week, and I'll be back later this week with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo!

Cheers.

Jason

Friday, December 16, 2011

Sherlock Holmes 2 - View on Film

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows-

Robert Downey Jr. is back as Sherlock Holmes. I loved the first film....how does this one stack up?

Have a great weekend! The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo next week.

Cheers!

Jason

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

New on DVD 12/13 - View on Film

Good Tuesday Morning......another busy week for new DVD/Blu Ray's. Also, don't miss my review of Sherlock Holmes 2 coming early Friday.

Fright Night (2011)

This is a remake of the 1980's cult classic. I was skeptical on this one, but I found it to be one of the most entertaining films of the year. Colin Farrell is fantastic chewing up the screen as the main baddie. If you're a fan of a tongue in cheek horror film, this is one of the best.

(Need to be logged into Facebook to View)

Kung Fu Panda 2

Jack Black and the crew are back for the sequel to their big hit Kung Fu Panda. I enjoyed the first one, but haven't caught up on this one yet. It does have a 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.com.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Yet another reboot of the Planet of the Apes franchise. This one is much better than the Tim Burton version. It has a very good 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.com.

Have a great week! We'll see you again on Friday.

Cheers!

Jason

Friday, December 9, 2011

The Sitter - View on Film

Good Friday everyone. Here's my look at Jonah Hill's new picture, The Sitter.

Have a Great Weekend!

Jason

Monday, December 5, 2011

New on DVD 12/6 - View on Film

Lots of new releases this week! Two good, one mediocre....and one just bad!

Hangover Part II

Unoriginal follow up to the fantastic Hangover. Basically a retread of the original. Some laughs, big letdown though.

Original Review- (Need to be Logged into Facebook to See)

Cowboys and Aliens

It pains me to say, but this IS this disappointment of the year. A joyless exercise, in concept over story.

Original Review- (Need to be Logged into Facebook to See)

The Help

A very good film about the slow changing of ways in the south. Emma Stone again proves she is great!

Original Review- (Need to be Logged into Facebook to See)

The Debt

Very adult and joyless, but a powerful film nontheless.

Original Review- (Need to be Logged into Facebook to See)

That's it for this week! Have a great one,

Cheers!

Jason

Friday, December 2, 2011

Hugo- View on Film

Good Friday Everyone! Here's my look at Martin Scorsese's Latest, Hugo. Not to ruin the review, I loved it! It's a wonderful, adult movie....which seems to be inspired by Charles Dickens. Have a great weekend! Cheers!

Jason

My Review of Hugo-

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

New on DVD 11/29 - View on Film

Good Tuesday! It's another day of video releases. Before I get to that, I've been watching some old movies of mine, that I wanted to recommend.

Airplane! (1980)

Have not seen this one in some time. Still as hysterical as ever. This was on HBO constantly when I was young, and I watched it over and over. It was the grandpappa of all the parody films, and launched Leslie Nielsen on a new career. Loved it then, loved it now. The commentary from the three directors is fun too.

Superman: The Movie (1978)

Outstanding debut of Big Blue on the Big Screen. Christopher Reeve still IS Superman to many people in the world. The film still holds up, with director Richard Donner pulling of an almost miracle in 1978, making people believe a man can fly. Without this more serious take on a superhero, we would not have the Xmens and Batmans of today.

Now onto what new this week.

Friends with Benefits

Starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis...about two lost souls who decide to be, well "Friends with Benefits". You don't think they'll get together in the end? (Did I give it away?) Rotten Tomatoes has given this movie a fresh rating of 71%.

The Smurfs

In a case of a studio giving the public what it wanted....this critically panned film was an international smash. Despite only a 23% rating from RottenTomatoes.com, the film was a hit, and the sequel is forthcoming in 2013. The 3 disc Blu-Ray and DVD includes an original Christmas special.

That's it for this week! Have a great post-Thanksgiving, and we'll see you here Friday for a new review.

Jason

Friday, November 25, 2011

The Muppets - View on Film

The Muppets are back. It's been over a decade since the Muppets have been on the big screen....and honestly, way longer than that since they've been relevant. Here's my look at the film. Courtesy Disney.

My Polished Review-

My Informal Look at the Film (And annoying audience members!)

And an added bonus....here's a Youtube clip of some of the earliest Muppet appearances, in a 50's Wilken's Coffee Advertisement.......It's a little dark, and Mucho Funny!

Have a great Thanksgiving Day Weekend All!

Cheers!

Jason

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

New on DVD- November 22nd

Happy Thanksgiving Week everyone! Before I get to what's new this week, I wanted to recommend the excellent Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. It's the only really good Thanksgiving Themed movie I can remember. It has Steve Martin going on an epic F-Bomb rant....and THOSE AREN"T PILLOWS. This is from the dearly departed John Hughes, and is a very strong movie.

SUPER 8

OK, new this week. This is JJ Abrams follow up after his excellent Star Trek feature. It is his homage to the Steven Spielberg Produced and Directed films of the 80's. Picture E.T. and Goonies. A good family film, that has a 82% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Conan: The Barbarian

In yet another remake that nobody asked for, here comes Conan the Barbarian. This barely made a ripple at the box office, and has a 23% approval at Rotten Tomatoes. For Sword and Sandal fans only.

Have a great Thanksgiving! We'll see you Friday with a review of the Muppets.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 - View on Film

Good Friday everyone! Here we go with Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1. I was DREADING this.....I kinda like the first one....but have hated the last two....Find out what I think in the video. Have a great weekend! Next week....The Muppets!

Cheers, Jason

My On-Air Polished Review-

My More Informal Look at the Film-

See you next time!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

New on DVD - November 15th

Good Tuesday everyone!

A bit of a light week on the DVD front. We do get the new Pirates of the Carribbean adventure, On Stranger Tides. It is a bit of a disappointment. I like the series, but this fourth entry really doesn't take it to new places. There is a scene with mermaids that is frightening, and definitely the highlight of the movie. For fans of the series only.

Original Review- Need to be logged into Facebook to see. Courtesy Disney

Next up is Larry Crowne. Not often does a movie starring Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks bomb at the box office, but this one did. I did not screen it, but it currently only has a 34% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Tom Hanks directed this as well.

That's it for this week! We'll have a look at Twilight, Breaking Dawn Part 1. Have a good one,

Jason

Friday, November 11, 2011

J. Edgar Movie Review- View on Film

Good Veteran's Day Everyone.

Here's my look at J. Egdar, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Directed by Clint Eastwood.

Presented here are my on air review, as well as my informal look at the movie.

Have a great weekend!

(Courtesy Warner Bros.)

My On-Air Review of J. Edgar

My Informal Look at the J. Edgar

Cheers,

Jason

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

New on DVD - Week of 11/8

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (Out Friday 11/11/11)

In a bit of a departure from the norm, the newest, and last Harry Potter Movie comes out this Friday. What a spectacular movie it is. This is a wonderful, and thrilling finale for the series. In one of the greatest movie feats ever, they kept the cast together for 8 films, and Warner Brothers put everything they had into each of them. Included on the Blu-Ray is an interview with JK Rowling. A must see.

Original Review- (Need to be logged into Facebook to see)

The Change-Up - (Out Today)

I'm a big fan of Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds, so I was quite excited to see this, and it's not bad. This didn't do very well in the theaters, but if you like a good R-Rated comedy, the stars more than make this worth your time.

Original Review- (Need to be logged into Facebook to see)

That's it for this week.....have a great Tuesday!

Jason

Friday, November 4, 2011

A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas- View on Film

Good Friday everyone! Here's my look at Harold and Kumar 3.

Courtesy New Line

Have a great weekend everyone!

Jason

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Top 8 Things Rick Astley Will Never Do

Funny! See you tomorrow with a review of A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

New on Video- 11/1

Welcome! Here's what's new on video today, November 1st. I included original reviews of the films I've seen. You need to be signed on the Facebook to see the videos.

Cars 2

Pixar has always had the Midas Touch, except for the Cars franchise. The first entry was OK enough, but this one is a bit of a drag. Mater was the break out star from the first film, so he takes center stage here. Mater was a much better 2nd Banana, than main star.

Here's my original review-

Water for Elephants

Robert Pattinson has had a spotty career aside from the Twilight series, but this one is actually pretty good. Reese Witherspoon is a bit miscast as the in over her head performer. She is too strong a presence, not to be strong in a role. Christoph Waltz also proves he wasn't just a fluke in Inglorious Bastards. Check it out if you like a period, romantic drama.

Here's my original review-

Crazy, Stupid, Love

I actually missed this one, but I have it ready to watch on pay-per view today. Rotten Tomatoes has it as 77% Fresh, and I've heard only good things.

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Jason

Monday, October 31, 2011

View on Film- Halloween Viewing

Greetings True Believers.

Horror films have never been a favorite of mine. There's enough real scary things in the world. But...I do love the Universal Classic monster movies from the 30's and 40's. Dracula, Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, the Mummy....and the rest are all great films. The best of them is Bride of Frankenstein....which with wicked wit, and atmosphere created the mother of all classic horror.

On Halloween...for about 10 years I have enjoyed two films faithfully on Halloween. Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein....and Love at First Bite.

Way back in the 70's...before cable TV...Abbott and Costello movies were mainstays on Football-less Saturday afternoons. AC meet Frankenstein was far and away my favorite. Universal hit a master stroke putting the monsters....played by almost all the original actors......against Bud and Lou. The key is the monsters played it straight. It is a classic film that deserves to be watched. Vincent Price even makes a cameo apperence!

Now by the time cable graced my house, Love at First Bite was on HBO. I absolutely loved it then, and it still holds up. Count Dracula....oddly enough played by the eternally tanned George Hamilton, is forced to come to America...during the disco 70's. He has to adjust to life, as he courts his true love. It's a great film, that still makes me laugh.

Have a hauntingly good time tonight and please make sure you don't Drink and Drive.

Happy Halloween!

Jason

Friday, October 28, 2011

View on Film- Puss in Boots

Courtesy Dreamworks

Here's my more polished review-

....and here's a more relaxed discussion of the movie.

Everyone have a safe Halloween Weekend!

And Remember to Leave Comments!

Cheers,

Jason

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

My Favorite Term- The Gooch

In our personal lexicon...we all have words that are unique to ourselves. Maybe we turn a phrase with our own personal touch to make it our own. I'm notorious for this....I use "Ding Dong" very liberally....to describe idiots....or even just a thing. I use it because it can usually get a laugh from someone who hasn't heard it before.

That brings me to "The Gooch". The first time I had heard of "The Gooch", he was Arnold Jackson's nemesis on Diff'rent Strokes. Jerry O'Connell character even refers to bad karma as "a Gooch" in Stand by Me.

The Gooch also, just sounds funny. The Gooch, as I most usually refer to it as, is the McGuffin...the unique plot twist, identifier, or whatever that makes it stand out. For example (If you haven't seen the Sixth Sense....skip to the next paragraph) "The Gooch" of the Sixth Sense, is Bruce Willis has actually been dead the entire film.

Also...in a tough crossword puzzle, such as the Sunday New York Times....they have a unique theme clue for a number of its answers. When me and my Dad figure it out....we tell the other that we got "the Gooch" of the puzzle.

Words are fun.

J

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

View on Film- Top 5 Guilty Pleasures

Good Tuesday everyone. Guilty Pleasures.....movies that you know are bad, but you can't help yourself but enjoy them. Many of our strange love comes from childhood. Here are my top 5 for Guiltiest Pleasures......be sure to let me know what yours are!

No. 5- Flash Gordon

This movie would define the it's so bad it's good. The movie is hampered by a woefully weak star (Sam J. Jones) as Flash, but the rest of the cast is game for a spectacular cheesefest. Everyone seems to be having fun, chewing up scenery left and right. Max Von Sydow is a standout as Ming the Merciless. The highlight of the film is the fantastic score and soundtrack by Queen. Members of the band even take credit, for sending the film into a more of a campy arena with their cheeky music.

No 4- Point Break

The pairing of Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze really needs no explanation. The Fast and the Furious screenwriters obviously borrowed a little from Point Break, with the FBI agent going undercover, and finding he enjoys the lifestyle. Good cheese here, even though "where is she now', Lori Petty almost sabotages the film singlehandedly.

No 3- Smokey and the Bandit

The Granddaddy of the Southern Movie genre of the 70's. It's Burt Reynolds at his Movie Star best. It is a RIDICULOUS film, but also mucho fun. I had the pleasure of meeting Burt's co-hort in the film, Country Star Jerry Reed. I was in Jackpot Nevada, and he was the headliner at the casino I was at. He ended up at the poker table where I was playing, and I actually beat him in a few hands. When we were both cashing out, I asked him for his autograph....and he couldn't have been nicer UNTIL, I told him I loved him in Smokey and the Bandit. Apparently, it's not one of his favorites. He did give me his autograph though. He is missed. The sequels are so bad, they're bad. So avoid them, but the original is a not miss!

No 2- Reefer Madness

This is the classic "Warning" film from 1936. The film was trying to show the dangers of smoking "Reefers", and how one can cause you to do serious harm. However you fall on the subject, the heavy-handedness of the material is howlingly funny!

No 1.- Grease 2

I have great love for this film. IT IS god awful, but I adore it anyway. When it premiered on HBO, I was a young 11 years old. I watched it over and over again, just to watch Michelle Pfeiffer. I didn't know girls could be that cute! So Michelle lured me in, and I learned all the songs despite myself. This film is fun to watch with friends, to point out the numerous inconsistancies, flubs, and just bad choices.