GROWN UPS Review

'Grown Ups' is probably exactly what you expect it to be. It was for me, and really, this isn't a bad thing. After so many years of retreating to Sandler-land at least once a year and we have become accustomed to the type of movie Sandler likes to make with his buddies and what kind of humor we will get when we purchase the ticket for it. 'Grown Ups' is a Sandler project that is a long-time coming. With three of his fellow SNL alumns joining him and recent collaborator Kevin James it is a feast of comedy heaven for anyone who loves any of these five guys. Given that Sandler is the most famous here, he gets the leader of the group role, which I sometimes wish had been switched up a bit. Rock being as popular as he is didn't get as much screen time (or as many funny things to say) as I expected him too. He did play against his usual character type though and that was rather interesting. His relationship with his wife played by the always funny Maya Rudolph was interesting and made for the best on-screen couple. James was also short on screen time, but garnered as many laughs as he could when given the opportunity. We know James is a funny guy even though most would say he is filling the Chris Farley role here. James is his own man though and with 'The King of Queens' he proved his funnyman status, there is no denying his chemistry with Sandler either. James is paired with Maria Bello, a bit of an odd combination but they make it work and certainly earn the cutest couple in the film. As for Schneider and Spade, they have had the least success after their prime days, but Spade stole the show for me here, his witty sarcasm was non-stop and without it the movie would not have been as funny or entertaining. Spade's character in general livens up the party this movie is supposed to be. On the other hand , Schneider is the weirdo friend that always gets picked on who also has two hot daughters. Its an odd bit of grouping as far as these friends go, but knowing the backstories of these actors we can all imagine how much fun they had making this film together and the best news is that most of that translates to the screen. This is standard Sandler, but he always delivers. It gives a slice of Americana in a time when iPhones and Wii's are more important than family time and the simple pleasures life brings, Sandler reminds us of how much fun we can have without all of that. We don't expect the greatest movie ever, we get the laughs, the cameos from others in Sandlers gang and we get a good moral-a story that doesn't break any molds, but tells us its okay to get back to what really made you smile. We can always count on Adam Sandler for a smile.

GROWN UPS Review

'Grown Ups' is probably exactly what you expect it to be. It was for me, and really, this isn't a bad thing. After so many years of retreating to Sandler-land at least once a year and we have become accustomed to the type of movie Sandler likes to make with his buddies and what kind of humor we will get when we purchase the ticket for it. 'Grown Ups' is a Sandler project that is a long-time coming. With three of his fellow SNL alumns joining him and recent collaborator Kevin James it is a feast of comedy heaven for anyone who loves any of these five guys. Given that Sandler is the most famous here, he gets the leader of the group role, which I sometimes wish had been switched up a bit. Rock being as popular as he is didn't get as much screen time (or as many funny things to say) as I expected him too. He did play against his usual character type though and that was rather interesting. His relationship with his wife played by the always funny Maya Rudolph was interesting and made for the best on-screen couple. James was also short on screen time, but garnered as many laughs as he could when given the opportunity. We know James is a funny guy even though most would say he is filling the Chris Farley role here. James is his own man though and with 'The King of Queens' he proved his funnyman status, there is no denying his chemistry with Sandler either. James is paired with Maria Bello, a bit of an odd combination but they make it work and certainly earn the cutest couple in the film. As for Schneider and Spade, they have had the least success after their prime days, but Spade stole the show for me here, his witty sarcasm was non-stop and without it the movie would not have been as funny or entertaining. Spade's character in general livens up the party this movie is supposed to be. On the other hand , Schneider is the weirdo friend that always gets picked on who also has two hot daughters. Its an odd bit of grouping as far as these friends go, but knowing the backstories of these actors we can all imagine how much fun they had making this film together and the best news is that most of that translates to the screen. This is standard Sandler, but he always delivers. It gives a slice of Americana in a time when iPhones and Wii's are more important than family time and the simple pleasures life brings, Sandler reminds us of how much fun we can have without all of that. We don't expect the greatest movie ever, we get the laughs, the cameos from others in Sandlers gang and we get a good moral-a story that doesn't break any molds, but tells us its okay to get back to what really made you smile. We can always count on Adam Sandler for a smile.

TOY STORY 3 Review

Some people think you can get too wrapped up in movies and taking them as more than just entertainment is a little weird. But once in a while a film comes along that re-enforces the true reasons some people do get so wrapped up in the movies. In this case, we are discussing what is essentially the end to the films that defined mine and many others childhoods. 'Toy Story 3' is visually stunning, with an almost epic scope that takes everything Pixar has done to this point up a notch. They are dealing with a bigger cast of characters than they ever have and not to mention the highest of all possible expectations. If there was any fear in me that this third film would not live up to those expectations they dissapeared the moment the characters I loved appeared on screen in a world that could only be possible within a childs mind. What is most important about creating a sequel to these beloved movies though is having the right balance of humor and sentimentality that appeals to both children and adults as well as the first two did. And,a s weird as it sounds, I have been able to view a new 'Toy Story' movie both as a child and as an adult and though the nostalgia is almost overwhelming for me, I loved this one just the same. I was immediately transported to my childhood and was so happy it lasted nearly two hours. Pixar has given us a story that is truly touching and touches on more than just the cool idea that toys come to life when we're not around. The story of the evolution from childhood to adulthood and how we take for granted those most innocent of years where we can make anything with a few of our favorite toys. I was lucky enough to see 'Toy Story 3' with my entire family, sitting next to my mom who was brought to tears by the completely touching and satisfying ending. My inner child was thankful the theater was still dark when she wouldn't stop hugging me as the credits rolled. I'm glad the summer of 2010 has something to brag about, easily my favorite movie of the year so far.

TOY STORY 3 Review

Some people think you can get too wrapped up in movies and taking them as more than just entertainment is a little weird. But once in a while a film comes along that re-enforces the true reasons some people do get so wrapped up in the movies. In this case, we are discussing what is essentially the end to the films that defined mine and many others childhoods. 'Toy Story 3' is visually stunning, with an almost epic scope that takes everything Pixar has done to this point up a notch. They are dealing with a bigger cast of characters than they ever have and not to mention the highest of all possible expectations. If there was any fear in me that this third film would not live up to those expectations they dissapeared the moment the characters I loved appeared on screen in a world that could only be possible within a childs mind. What is most important about creating a sequel to these beloved movies though is having the right balance of humor and sentimentality that appeals to both children and adults as well as the first two did. And,a s weird as it sounds, I have been able to view a new 'Toy Story' movie both as a child and as an adult and though the nostalgia is almost overwhelming for me, I loved this one just the same. I was immediately transported to my childhood and was so happy it lasted nearly two hours. Pixar has given us a story that is truly touching and touches on more than just the cool idea that toys come to life when we're not around. The story of the evolution from childhood to adulthood and how we take for granted those most innocent of years where we can make anything with a few of our favorite toys. I was lucky enough to see 'Toy Story 3' with my entire family, sitting next to my mom who was brought to tears by the completely touching and satisfying ending. My inner child was thankful the theater was still dark when she wouldn't stop hugging me as the credits rolled. I'm glad the summer of 2010 has something to brag about, easily my favorite movie of the year so far.

JONAH HEX Review

'Jonah Hex' knows what kind of movie it is and isn't all that afraid of flaunting it. It is fast, action oriented and for the most part...pretty fun. While at the same time it represents what is wrong with hollywood at the moment. They are onto something here, a western super hero, a rough and raw climate with a likeable yet non traditional protagonist. Its all good so far and the film looks beautiful, the color palette is especially vibrant, but where it fails is in its story. There could be some grand drama and acting here, you have Josh Brolin and John Malkovich for heavens sake, they know what they are doing and they understand what kind of film they are in, but instead of being a fun summer film with a brain as well this cut of 'Jonah Hex' hits the points of every revenge tale we've ever seen and it sticks with that. As for Megan Fox, she is being over-credited here. Malkovich easily should have made the poster before her, but there is no need to complain, Fox is not in the movie all that much and in my mind could easily be cut from the film entirely. In fact it might have been better for the film, cut Fox and give Hex's backstory more attention. We are cheated and rushed through the process that brought Hex to become the man he is today and that in itself could have been a much better film. If the studio really believed they had a good film and wanted to bank on some sequels they would have gone this route of giving Hex's origin story its own film and making its sequels better versions of what we have been given here. Clearly they dont though, and if they don't why do they expect us to even care about these outlaws? I hate that this could have been so much better, I wish Brolin could have used his pull to upgrade the credibility Jonah Hex might have, instead he is another movie that underwhelms in summer 2010 and a laughing stock at the box office.