Remember Me

Watching this film was excruciatingly painful. Not for the lack of beautiful NYC scenes or talented actors. I initially had doubts about Twilight boy's acting chops. But, he held is own against Pierce Brosnan and Chris Cooper. I still don't get why every tweenie loves this kid, but at least he doesn't look half-dead in this film. On paper, this film probably looks heart-tinglingly beautiful. But, it was such a downer. It moved slow and ended in an abrupt thud. The director could have done a better job. It makes sense that he used to direct TV shows like the Sopranos and Sex in the City. Maybe this movie should have been a TV show instead. Rating - Save your money and brain for something worthwhile. This ain't it.

Day 30 - Just Wright

I'm not going to lie. I've been waiting for this film to appear in Redbox for the last couple weeks. In case you don't know, I'm a big Common fan. If you own Resurrection, than you know he's a poet with a socially conscious heart. I'm a sucker for those kind of dudes. And, have you seen Common's body lately? I mean, damn! To be honest, though, his acting skills are less than amazing. Claire Huxtable (a.k.a Phylicia Rashad) made his job easier since she can act with anyone and make the scene look interesting. Queen Latifah was pretty good as the physical therapist girl-next-door turned B-ball wife. She played the same sort of character in Brown Sugar, except she was the lead in this one. The gold digging best friend played by the Deja Vu girl who's married to Mr. Seaver's real-life son, whose name I can't remember right now, was extremely annoying and thankfully stepped aside so Queen Cinderella could have her anything but Common Prince. That kinda sounds incestuous, but you know what I mean. Rating - Redbox worthy. And, where is Quintin Tarantino? Somebody better tell him Pam Grier is back making movies. I want to see him write a character for her that's as good as Jackie Brown.

Day 29 - The Karate Kid

I'm a big fan of the original Karate Kid with Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi. I was ready to hate this remake. But, I loved it! Little Jaden Smith can act. If you saw the Pursuit of Happiness, you know the boy can act. He's definitely Will Smith's kid - he even walks like him! So, it may be my ignorance, but I don't recall another movie that has shown as much kid-on-kid violence as this movie. Even Daniel-san's beat down was only maybe 20 seconds, at best. I mean, if I was Jada Pinkett Smith, I would not come to the set for those beat down scenes. I know it's Hollywood and all the punches/kicks are fake. But, it hurts to watch just the same. Jackie Chan is so freakin strong and quick. I think he's 50 something too. Freak of nature! Rating - Instead of a Jersey boy moving to Cali, it's a Detroit boy moving to China. The remake is not better than the original, but it's definitely entertaining thanks to Little Smith.

Day 28 - Iron Man II

I wasn't so jazzed about this film. I gave it an honest effort. Watching every banter-filled line between Robert Downey, Jr. and Mrs. Chris Martin. But, the film still bored me. Don Cheadle played an OK side-kick...apparently, Terrance Howard had that role in the first one and kicked ass. What's up with the Howard-Cheadle switcharoo?? Haven't seen the first one nor do I have any desire to see it. Redeeming qualities: Mickey Rourke is pretty bad ass with his Russian accent and the film's soundtrack rocks! Rating - A must see for anyone who plays the movie-actor connector game. Otherwise, press on!

Day 27 - The Town

Ben Affleck made a phenomenal heist film, even better than Gone Baby Gone. He acted well, too. Jeremy Renner and Blake Lively gave especially impressive performances. And, even more impressive were the panoramic views of Boston and the chase scenes through the city's crazy narrow and windy streets. Being a die-hard Red Sox fan, of course Ben had to use Fenway Park for the final heist scene. He gets extra points for choosing Ray LaMontagne's Jolene to play over the closing credits...LOVE that song. Rating - Get yourself to the theater and enjoy the ride.

Day 26 - Unthinkable

Unthinkable is not that unthinkable. It's all about military interrogations during a nuclear bomb threat on US soil. It felt like I was watching 24 with special guest stars, Samuel Jackson and the Matrix lady. The only good part of this movie was the performance by the terrorist. Rating - Don't think about wasting your $1 on this redbox dud.

Day 25 - Ping Pong Playa

I wouldn't put this sports movie on the same level as Rudy or Rocky, although it does have the same elements - underdog works hard, believes in himself, and wins the big game. But, this film is also ridiculously funny with its minority jokes and one-liners. And, when's the last time you saw a ping pong comedy? Rating - Netflicks this gem. Or, I can lend you my copy to watch and enjoy.

Day 24 - Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme

I love hip-hop. I love MCs who can weave words together effortlessly and spontaneously. A few of the best Freestyle MCs of all time are in this film, including Supernatural, Juice, Mos Def, Black Thought, Biggie Smalls, etc. This was my first introduction to Supernational and Juice. They both have a gift of spitting mind-blowing rhymes without any preparation - the epitome of a great Freestyle MC. The documentary showcases their rhyming prowess and takes the audience through a freestyle 101 lesson from the origin of rhyming to the underground cyphers of the 1990s. The film does a good job of conveying the energy and creativity that exudes from any cypher or MC battle. Makes me miss the music of the 1990s, too. Rating - Get on Hulu and watch, if you love hip-hop.