In Theaters - Crank 2: High Voltage

Ever go see a movie and think to yourself, "man that's 2 hours of my life I wish I could get back."? Well that about sums up my thoughts on this terribleness that I sat through. (and yes... I did just say terribleness.) I guess it should be my own fault for expecting anything much after seeing the first 'Crank'. I guess I hoped that Jason Statham would get sick and tired of playing the exact same role in every single movie he has ever acted in. Honestly, is the Chev from this any different from the Frank in 'The Transporter' films? Or Handsome Rob from the 'Job' movies? Or who the heck ever he was in 'Death Race'? I mean how many times can one actor play the exact same guy across a barrage of different films before we get tired of it? (Please refrain from throwing Sly Stallone out there at me. I could watch 'Rambo' and 'Rocky' flicks all day long!! lol)

So back to the original terribleness... I don't think there was a 5 minute period that I enjoyed what I was watching. The action was decent, but mostly ridiculously over the top. The random manners in which he tried to keep his "heart pumping" I guess we would say were just plain ridiculous. The soft core porn scenes along with the stops by Asian brothels and strip clubs were just stupid attempts at getting some boobs on the screen. Now, I am not necessarily against on screen boobs... but there has to be a reason. And enough is enough. This movie had more random sex and boobs than gun fights. Am I watching Cinemax late at night or am I watching a box office action movie??? I can't tell.

I don't really have much to say about this one. I thought it was pretty terrible all the way around. It is now to the point that if Jason Statham is the leading man, I am in NO rush to see it. He is much more easily tolerated as Handsome Rob or Turkish ('Snatch'). Heck, i can even tolerate him better as video game voices. This was terrible. I'd say 3 out of 10.

In Theaters - Star Trek

Well well well. What can I say about the new 'Star Trek' movie? Well for starters I will say very, VERY impressive. With movies like this it is a tough job for the writers and the director to appease the original fan base while still remaining relevant to the movie goer in today's day and age. A difficult task indeed. One that director J.J. Abrams was ready for.

Another thing that bothered me going into this film was wondering what this was actually going to be. A remake? A sequel? Prequel maybe? Because to be honest, I am not really a huge fan of remakes of already great things. But when you see this film, you will be impressed with how this film is not really any of the above... but more of a blend of all three. It may not make sense now, but it will once you've had the pleasure to sit down and enjoy it.

I hardly know where to begin with this film. i would like to preference everything with the fact that I have NEVER been a big Trekkie kinda guy. I am a 'Star Wars' fan boy without a shadow of a doubt. And that fact is what impressed me so much about this film. This is definitely the type of film that anyone can enjoy, regardless of personal background. It has everything that we want in a good movie. The action, the story line, the humor, the overly talented yet underachieving cocky hero, the extremely by the book straight laced friend... and we even have a bit of a love story in there.

If you are a 'Trek' fan you will be impressed with the back story and the development of the characters. Abrams was very respectful to the original roots of the franchise. And there is definitely some good writing involving Spock that will make you darn near start applauding in your seat. (I won't let too much out of the bag, but if you saw 'The Hulk' and recognized the security officer that Norton (Banner) bribed with a pizza, you'll have a good idea what I may be eluding to. :D) If you were not a big "Trekkie" you will still be impressed with the well written story line, the amazingly well job done by the actors and the decent action scenes. I was blown away by the performances of Chris Pine who gave us young James T. Kirk and Zachary Quinto who was the actor behind young Spock. Quinto has been scattered amongst a variety of television programs, but Pine is a relative unknown. Regardless of the different experience levels, both are primed to be launched into stardom following these respective roles. Oh, and yes... Kirk did sleep with some random green chick. If that doesn't say old school 'Star Trek' I don't know what does.

Overall, a VERY well put together film. It's the movie of the summer so far for me... easily topping 'Origins' and 'Salvation'. This is a good one for pretty much anyone. For the most part it is even pretty kid safe. I would give this one about a 9 out of 10. Not the absolute best thing I have ever seen, but a whole heckuva lot better than most. Rush out and see it.

In Theaters - Wolverine: X-Men Origins

One of the summer's most anticipated movies delivered with big action and big stars. Hugh Jackman returns to continue his portrayal of the most famous X-Man, Wolverine. Returning for another go round is Liev Shreiber who continues his role of Victor Creed. Better known to movie goers and comic lovers alike as Sabertooth. Jumping on board for the first time are names like Ryans Reynolds, Will I. Am and Taylor Kitsch. Longtime lovers of the comic have been waiting for Gambit (aka Remy LeBeau) to make an appearance on the big screen and with 'Origins' not only do they get him but they also get John Wraith and crowd favorite Deadpool.

Movie goers and regular Joe's alike will probably be impressed with the film as a whole. The story line flows well, the acting is very well done all the way around and the action sequences were not too shabby. Now the bad news is that the good majority of the target audience for this film are more than just typical movie goers. Most of us know the story of Wolverine fairly well. At least well enough to know that he and Sabertooth were not brothers. And don't get me wrong, I actually thought that it was a well played twist. Most enthusiasts would prefer that the writers/directors/etc. all remain true to the actual facts of the original story (I know people that are still upset about Spiderman having natural webbing, lol), and do not understand (or maybe don't care) that adapting a story from print to film is very difficult. With all of the similarities that Logan and Victor share in both mutant abilities and character traits... is it really all that far fetched to believe that they were brothers? Of course not. Who among us has never seen a brotherly rivalry grow into a feud?

Regardless of whether you are a typical movie goer or a die hard comic fan you will be happily impressed with Reynolds role of Deadpool. The only thing that will disappoint you is his lack of camera time. (I am not counting the absolute train wreck that they tried to pass off as Weapon XI) Luckily for us all, the 'Deadpool' spin off is pretty much full steam ahead. I was also very impressed with the long awaited debut of Gambit. I think Kitsch did a pretty darn good job portraying our beloved Ragin' Cajun. And in my humble opinion, I'd love to see a spin off on this one as well. Oh, and Will I. Am... well, he was in the movie also. That's about all I can say that was good about his performance.

Overall, it was in no way a bad movie. I enjoyed it and feel that the majority of movie goers will as well. As long as you do NOT go into it expected to see the movie of the summer. Don't get your hopes up too much thinking this is the film we have all been waiting a couple years to see. Because it definitely does not live up to the hype. (Let's hope 'G.I. Joe' doesn't let us down like this.) All in all, I would give this about a 7 out of 10. Go see it? Sure. Must see? uhhhhhh... not so much.