The King's Speech

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    The King’s Speech

Released:   December 2010

Movie Rating:  PG-13

Star Rating: «« ««

Movie Summary:

George VI, also known as Bertie, has suffered from a speech impediment ever since he was a child.  His wife, Elizabeth, wants to help him, so she hires Lionel Logue, a speech therapist, to help Bertie.  Over the course of time, Lionel begins to change Bertie’s life, as well as helping him overcome his impediment.  They soon become friends.  Bertie’s father suddenly dies.  And to make matters worse, Bertie’s brother, Edward, next in line, decides to abdicate the thrown, therefore Bertie is made King.  When World War II begins, Bertie, with the help of Lionel, must make a radio broadcast speech to rally the forces of England against Hitler. 

“The King’s Speech” is an inspiring movie that teaches everyone to always believe in yourself and remain firm, even in the darkest of times.  Headed by a great cast, led by Colin Firth, who shows excellence in portraying King George VI, and Geoffrey Rush, who does an incredible job in playing Lionel Logue.  “The King’s Speech” won 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Director (Tom Hooper).  “The King’s Speech” contains some language, but otherwise, it is a great movie that I would highly recommend!  

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask that you watch this incredible movie!”

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Tron: Legacy

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Tron: Legacy

Released:   December 2010

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: ««««    

Movie Summary:

Electronic extraordinaire Kevin Flynn is the owner to a large electronic empire known as Encom Industries.  His son, Sam, looks up to him, but one day his dad unexpectedly disappears out of nowhere.  Sam runs away, scared and lonely, and 15 years later, Sam discovers his dad’s arcade.  Unexpectedly transported to a virtual universe known as the Grid, he finds out that in order to escape the game and get back into the real world, he must fight to survive a dangerous gladiatorial competition.  Sam soon meets his dad, who has been trapped in the game since Sam was a kid.  Kevin explains to Sam that one of his virtual creations, Clu, has turned evil and turned against him, threatening to destroy him.  Together, Sam and Flynn battle Clu and his army of warriors and they, along with Kevin’s loyal assistant and friend Quorra, fight to survive the game and escape. 

“Tron: Legacy” is an awesome sci-fi action film, with some impressive special effects, and exciting action sequences.  I’d recommend seeing this movie in 3D.         

Get on your lightcycle and speed to the theater to see “Tron: Legacy”!

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The Movie Critic, Connor

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Released:   December 2010

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: «««1/2  

Movie Summary:

The next chapter in the Chronicles of Narnia unfolds as Lucy and Edmund Pevensie, along with their arrogant cousin Eustace, are transported to Narnia through a magical portrait and come aboard a Narnian ship, the Dawn Treader.  They meet up with familiar friends, along with new ones.  The Pevensies and the crew of the Dawn Treader join forces and embark on a dangerous journey across the sea, exploring mysterious islands to find seven long-lost lords of Narnia. 

I think “Dawn Treader” is a good family movie, but it isn’t as fun and exciting as its predecessors.                     

Embark on a “Voyage” to the theater to see “The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader”!

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Tangled

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Tangled

Released:   November 2010

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: ««««    

Movie Summary:

Rapunzel is a young girl who was locked away in a tall tower ever since she was little.  She longs to venture outside of the tower and into the real world.  Meanwhile, Wanted Thief Flynn Rider escapes the kingdom after stealing the queen’s crown and hides in a tower, the tower in which Rapunzel lives!  She takes him hostage and makes a deal with him--if he takes her outside the tower and to the kingdom, then she will not turn him in to the authorities.  He agrees.  When Rapunzel steps outside of the tower and into the real world, she discovers that the world is more dangerous than she had expected.  Together, they embark on an adventure to the kingdom, all while discovering that in each other is the key to accomplishing their dreams. 

“Tangled” is a good, solid family film that has no suggestive content in it and that parents, as well as kids, will enjoy. 

 

Get Tangled Up in “Tangled”!

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1

Released:   November 2010

Movie Rating:  PG-13

Star Rating: ««««

Movie Summary:

Harry, Ron, and Hermione are back to embark on an extremely dangerous journey across the wizarding world to find and destroy the five hidden Horcruxes, so that they can defeat Voldemort once and for all.  Hunted and chased down by Voldemort and his team of Death Eaters and Snatchers, can Harry and his friends find the Horcruxes and destroy them so that Voldemort can be defeated and the wizarding world will be at peace?  

“Deathly Hallows Part 1” is a good movie, with lots of action and suspense, and cool special effects.  This is a Harry Potter you don’t want to miss.  Ends with a bang and all you Harry Potter fans out there will be on the edge of your seat, eagerly waiting for “Part 2” to hit the theaters.                

   

Grab your wands and head to the theater to see “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Megamind

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Megamind

Released:   November 2010

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: ««««1/2   

Movie Summary:

Megamind and Metro Man have always been rivals.  Metro Man is a superhero that the people of Metro City look up to as their protector and hero.  Megamind is a super-villain who, through many attempts to take over Metro City, has failed, thanks to Metro Man.  When Megamind finally defeats Metro Man, he discovers that his life’s “purpose” has been accomplished, but now that there is no hero to stand up against him-- the city of Metro City is all his!   So, he takes DNA of Metro Man and creates a new superhero: Titan, who will protect the city and rise up against him.  Titan thinks that being evil is what he can do best, so he turns evil and threatens Metro City.  Megamind then realizes that the only way to save the city is to stop Titan.  With the help of his trusted Minion and a fearless news reporter, can Megamind actually become a hero and save Metro City before time runs out?  

“Megamind” is a MEGA-funny and MEGA-awesome movie that is packed with action, humor and heart!  I think “Megamind” is a great family film! 

        

You’d be out of your “mind” not to see this movie!

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'hoole

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’hoole

Released:   September 2010

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: ««1/2   

Movie Summary:

Sorren is an adventurous barn owl who’s eager to start flying and venture out of the tree in which he has lived in since he was an owlet with his family.  Soon he and his brother are bird-napped and taken to a dark kingdom ruled by an evil owl, Nyra, and her husband, Metal Beak, who plot to take over all the owl kingdoms and rule over them.  Sorren befriends an owl there named Gylfie, and together they manage to escape the kingdom.  They, along with some new owl friends, embark on a perilous journey to the Great Tree, where the legendary Guardians of Ga’hoole live.  Sorren and his friends team with the Guardians to defeat Nyra and Metal Beak and save the owl kingdoms from ruin. 

“Legend of the Guardians” contains many dark scenes and violent battle sequences, which may frighten young viewers.   Although there was some impressive animation and cool flying scenes,   I thought “Guardians” could have been a much better movie.    

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Despicable Me

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Despicable Me

Released:   July 2010

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: «««1/2    

Movie Summary:

Gru is a super-villain who wants to conquer the world.  He lives in a dark old house in the middle of a lively neighborhood, where he plots evilness along with the help of his assistant Dr. Nefario, and a team of pint-size minions.  His latest plot involves stealing the moon by shrinking it with a shrink ray.  His plot is intercepted when a new super-villain, Vector, steals Gru’s shrink ray and plans to steal the moon himself.  Gru and Vector end up battling against each other, as they each plot to steal the moon and become the most famous and greatest super-villain on the planet.  Vector soon wins and gains control of the shrink ray, hiding it in his villainous lair.  Gru, through many failed attempts to get in Vector’s lair, thinks up an evil plan.  He adopts three orphan girls who he plans to use to gain access to Vector’s lair, steal back the shrink ray and the moon, and become the “top villain”.  Through the course of time, the orphan girls begin to turn Gru’s life upside down and he begins to rethink his life.

 “Despicable Me” is a good movie, but the rude humor in the film stops it short from becoming a “better” movie that I would have enjoyed.            

It would be “Despicable” of you not to see this movie!

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Inception

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Inception

Released:   July 2010

Movie Rating:  PG-13

Star Rating: ««««1/2

 Movie Summary:

“Inception” tells the story of master thief Dom Cobb, who makes his living stealing the ideas of rich corporate figures by traveling inside their dreams.  However, he soon finds himself struggling to piece together whether he’s in a dream or reality.  Soon, Dom is hired to carry out inception by implanting an idea inside the subconscious mind of Robert Fischer.   Fischer is the son of a wealthy and powerful business entrepreneur and is heir to his father’s company.  Dom assembles a team of comrades and heads into Fischer’s mind.  When they are pursued by unexpected enemies, Dom and his allies must fight to carry out inception and escape the dream before they are trapped forever.

“Inception” is a smart and exciting sci-fi thriller, with breathtaking visual effects, solid performances, and some of the best action sequences I’ve ever seen on film.  Despite its thick plot and occasionally slow pacing, “Inception” proves to be quite an epic dream indeed.                              

 

Dream on and check out this awesome sci-fi flick!   

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Toy Story 3

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Toy Story 3

Released:   June 2010

Movie Rating:  G

Star Rating: «««1/2    

Movie Summary:

Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the toy gang return for a huge adventure!  Eleven years have passed and Andy is now a grown teenager preparing to set off for college.   Not only are all the toys gathering dust in Andy's room, but their hearts are saddened as they face the hard fact that Andy has outgrown them.  Andy's mom decides to donate all the toys to a local daycare center, known as Sunnyside, so that they can be played with by the daycare children.  They meet a new assembly of toys, including a purple octopus named Stretch, a scented teddy bear named Lotso and the original Ken doll.  The toys begin to miss Andy, so they hatch a daring plan to escape the daycare center and return to Andy’s house.  However, an evil gang of toys stop at nothing to make sure that Woody and the gang don’t escape the daycare center.       

"Toy Story 3" is a funny and touching movie, but surprisingly darker than most of the Pixar films.                       

"To Infinite And Beyond" to the theater to see "Toy Story 3"!

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The Movie Critic, Connor

The Karate Kid (2009)

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:  The Karate Kid (2010)    

Released:   June 2010

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: ««««1/2    

Movie Summary:

Dre Parker is a young boy who enjoys living in Detroit, Michigan.  But one day, Dre’s mom has a job transfer and they have to move to China, much to Dre’s dislike.  He goes to a new school with different people.  One day a gang of school bullies start to pick on him and bully him.  Dre feels helpless and weak.  When the bullies attack him again, he tries to fight back but can’t.  He ends up being rescued by Mr. Han, a local handyman, who knows Kung Fu very well.  Dre asks Mr. Han if he could teach him Kung Fu, and soon Mr. Han agrees.  After a lot of strenuous drills and daily practice, Dre learns Kung Fu.  Later, Mr. Han feels that Dre is prepared, so he enters him in a Kung Fu Tournament against a rival Kung Fu Team, which happens to have the same bullies that picked on Dre.  Can Dre become a Kung Fu hero and stand up to his enemies?  Can he win the Kung Fu Tournament? 

“The Karate Kid” is a good movie and teaches respect and how to stand up for what you believe in.  It also teaches a lesson to always get back up, even when life pushes you down.   

Get to the Theatre to see this movie…..Chop!  Chop!

      

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    The Prince of Persia:  The Sands of Time

Released:   May 2010

Movie Rating:  PG-13

Star Rating: ««««1/2    

Movie Summary:

Based on a video game, "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" is set in the mystical land of, well, Persia.  And the main character, Dastan, is (take a guess) a prince of Persia.  When he is accused of a fatal crime that he didn't commit, he sets off on a journey to clear his name.  Dastan discovers about an ancient dagger that can allow its possessor to control time.  He joins forces with a princess to return it to its resting place before time itself runs out.  But dark forces arise, led by Dastan's uncle Nizam, who plots to steal the dagger and use it to destroy the world.  Can Dastan and Princess Tamina save the world with the help of the dagger? 

"Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" contains lots of action and adventure, which I really enjoyed.  I thought this was a great movie.

   

"Time" flies, so hurry and see "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time", in theaters now!

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Shrek Forever After

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:   Shrek Forever After

Released:   May 2010

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: «««1/2   

Movie Summary:

Shrek returns for the last time in this fourth installment of the “Shrek” saga.  In this latest version, Shrek is a father of 3 ogre babies.  Because of his demanding and nurturing role as a dad, he reminisces about the good old days when he had more freedom and his monstrous personality caused people to fear him.  He decides to make a deal with scheming Rumplestilskin, which results in Shrek being transported to a strange version of Far Far Away.  In this unusual world, Rumplestilskin is King, and Donkey, Fiona, and Puss in Boots never knew him.  With the help of a doubting Donkey, a retired Puss in Boots, and a resistance of ogre warriors led by Fiona, Shrek embarks on a mission to take down Rumplestilskin and his helpers and save the land of Far Far Away.  Can Shrek save the kingdom and find his True Love in one day in order to return to his life as a family man? 

“Shrek Forever After” is a good movie but it isn’t as funny as the previous “Shrek” films. 

        

Shrek it Up and go see this “OGRE”-whelming movie!!!!

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Iron Man 2

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:   Iron Man 2

Released:   May 2010

Movie Rating:  PG-13

Star Rating: «««1/2   

Movie Summary:

In Iron Man, inventor billionaire Tony Stark reveals his identity as the armor-clad superhero known as, well, you know, Iron Man.  In Iron Man 2, Robert Downey Jr. returns as Stark.  This time around, the government thinks that the Iron Man suit is a dangerous weapon--too dangerous for a “common” citizen to use.  They feel it would be in better hands with the government, possibly for military use.  At that time, a Russian man named Ivan Vanko plots to take revenge on Tony because his dad, Howard Stark, accused him of a crime he didn’t commit.  Vanko joins with Justin Hammer, a bitter rival of Tony’s, and together they plot to destroy Stark’s electronic empire and his legacy.  Stark teams up with his best friend Rhodey and Nick Fury, leader of the shady government agency S.H.I.E.L.D, to end their deadly game of revenge and destruction. 

I thought “Iron Man 2” was a good movie, with some great action sequences, but I found the movie to be rather slow at times.  I still liked the original “Iron Man” better.    

Get Suited Up for Iron Man 2, blasting in theaters now!

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The Movie Critic, Connor

How to Train Your Dragon

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:  How to Train Your Dragon

Released:  March 2010

Movie Rating: PG

Star Rating: «««««   

Movie Summary:

Hiccup is a smart and clumsy teenager, who lives on the island, Berk.  Berk is inhabited by a tribe of tough Vikings, led by Chief Stoick, who happens to be Hiccup’s father!  Hiccup is a blacksmith for the tribe, but deep inside his heart, he dreams of becoming a true Viking.  Chief Stoick is reluctant about Hiccup living up to the true Viking standards because of his small stature, his weak abilities and constant clumsiness. 

The Vikings of Berk are familiar with nightly dragon attacks on a daily basis.   In order to become a true Viking, a warrior must capture a dragon and kill it.  So, on one dragon attack, Hiccup attempts to capture a dragon, and does!  But, before killing the dragon, which happens to be a rare Night Fury species, Hiccup feels sorry for him and sets him free.   The dragon soon befriends Hiccup as a way of saying thank you for saving his life.  After many adventures, Hiccup and the dragon, which he names Toothless, become best friends.  Hiccup keeps his friendship with Toothless a secret from his father and all the Vikings in Berk.  However, when the secret breaks loose, controversy stirs among the tribe, and after time, war rises against the dragon race.  Hiccup and Toothless set off on a desperate mission to save all dragons.  Can Hiccup prove himself a hero and save the entire species of dragons from their fate?   

“How to Train Your Dragon” is a funny, action-packed and thrilling movie!  I give this fun-filled movie “TWO FLAMES UP”!!! 

Get "fired up" and go see this awesome film!!!

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The Movie Critic, Connor