May
Drag Me to Hell
**1/2
If you enjoyed the humor of The Evil Dead Trilogy (Evil Dead, Evil Dead II: Dead By Dawn, Army of Darkness) and the humor that translated into the lame style and disappointment of Spider-Man 3 you will enjoy Sam Raimi's new horror / comedy feature. Probably some of the best laughs I received this summer came from Drag Me to Hell, without a doubt full of serious head shaking, eye rolling, and face-palming moments, but all done on purpose (or at least I hope it was). Definitely worth a rent if you missed it in theaters. Probably one of the best-worst movies ever.
June
The Hangover
***
This experience was not only the funniest film I've seen this summer, but this entire year! Finally, an unbiased comedy that treats all it's characters will enough of their own 'moments', each and every character delivers a great laugh that rivals with each other. Not too much I can get into without instantly spoiling the film for your viewing. Worth a ticket, and worth owning.
Land of the Lost
**
I honestly can't say I 'disliked' this movie, but I certainly didn't 'love' it. Overall I'll just go ahead and say I liked it. I really enjoyed the performance by Danny McBride, course he has become one, if not my top favorite comedian lately, I'm really glad he's getting noticed and is on the rise in Hollywood. Will Ferrell did slightly above decent at least with what he was given, as always. I saw this film in the morning for $4, so I was satisfied because in the end I believe that it wasn't worth $8. Worth a rent, or better yet a viewing when it's finally on TV.
The Taking of Pelham 123
**1/2
As talented as John Travolta and Denzel Washington can be, I haven't been too satisfied with some of their films in the past, therefor I was hesitant on giving both of them my time. But I honestly have to say that this was a fair film. Got me through a boring thursday, so mission accomplished on my part. The directing and editing was cool, acting was at least at an average level. I'll give it second glances (not an entire viewing) when it's on TV.
Year One
*
Yes, the biggest flop of the summer, and the most underperforming comedy lately with all the talented comedians and actors involved. Harold Ramis co-wrote Ghostbusters and Strips, and directed Caddyschack and Groundhog Day; some of the top comedies to live up to therefor this film did not seem like a Ramis film. Oh well, better luck with Ghostbusters III.
Tansformers: Revenge of the Fallen
**1/2
Special effects? Check. Awesome explosions? Check. Original cast? Check. More robots this time? Check. Fun action scenes with funny dialogue? Check. A good solid story that's of a decent level and length? Shoot... Transformers II was a fun action/adventure blockbuster. But I'm afraid that it was just too long and the story was unbalanced, making it not live up to the original. I enjoyed it, and will look forward to watching it again when I own it; but better luck to the writers and editors on the third installment of the trilogy hopefully.
July
Public Enemies
**
Sure Michael Mann is a great writer and director, the guy made Heat! But, like certain parts of Heat and most of Collateral, to many scenes dragged, and even were unnecessary; ultimately, this film was too damn long. That's all I can say. I have to desire to own, or even rent it. Certain parts were good, once again the performances of Johnny Depp and Christian Bale were great, but this movie was not fully enjoyable in the end. No hate toward it, but certainly no love either.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
**1/2
I have seen all Harry Potter films to date except The Goblet of Fire (4th one). I highly enjoyed 1, 2, (even) 3, and 5. I have to say that either the third or the fifth is my favorite. But I'm afraid that too much of this (6th) was dedicated to too many quiet conversations that echo in huge hallways. 90% of the dialogue was whispering. I guess I'll buy this one to add with all the others, but once again: "I hope the next one is better."
Funny People
**1/2
The trickiest movie of the summer, I definitely like it, but was I close to loving it? Funny People have gotten generally positive reviews, 2/3 of the other people I saw it with thought of it in a negative tone. My one other friend loved it. Some parts weren't very funny, but were they apart of some deep, somewhat complex character development plot device? I'm afraid if I think too far into I'll end up not getting anywhere with it. All I can warn with: "Don't expect a full-on comedy, cause the seriousness lives strong in this film." This was some of Adam Sandler's best acting, and Seth Rogan was enjoyable as he usually is. But it seems that Judd Adatow's films are growing less and less funny, and more serious on life issues.
