The Secret World of Arrietty

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    The Secret World of Arrietty

Released:   February 2012

Movie Rating:  G

Star Rating: ««««    

Movie Summary:

This movie focuses on borrowers, miniscule people who hide in the walls and floors of houses, who “borrow” small items from humans to make their living and survive in their tiny makeshift homes.  Arrietty is a brave, adventurous young girl, a borrower, who lives with her parents in their small house, located in the walls of a small garden home.  Arrietty is very thrilled when her father invites her to go with him on her first “borrowing” trip.  A curious Arrietty asks her parents what would happen if a human spotted a borrower.  They tell her that the human’s curiosity will lead them to be obsessed with trying to find the borrower and his home, forcing the borrower and his family to flee to another residence where they can live safely.

Living in the small garden home with the housekeeper, Hara, is an emotionally and physically ill young boy named Shawn, who is taken there by his aunt to temporarily live because his parents are too busy to care for him.  Arrietty’s first borrowing trip doesn’t go as planned when Shawn catches her attempting to borrow an item in his room.  Arrietty’s father thinks that they will have to move because Shawn has seen his daughter.   Arrietty doesn’t believe that this human boy is going to hurt her and her family, so she sets off to discover the big world, where she officially meets Shawn for the first time.  They begin to develop a strong friendship.  Shawn promises to hide and protect Arrietty from those who wish to harm her.  Meanwhile, Hara (who doesn’t know about borrowers and Arrietty’s friendship with Shawn), begins to suspect that something strange is going on.  When the housekeeper discovers Arrietty’s home and kidnaps her mother, the adventurous borrower and her new friend, Shawn, put everything at risk to rescue her mother. 

“The Secret World of Arrietty” is a very family-friendly movie, and I enjoyed it.  This is my very first anime (Japanese animation) movie, and I was very impressed.  The hand-drawn animation of the film was amazing and the colors were extremely vibrant.  The movie director and the crew obviously put a lot of work into this movie and they did well!  When watching the movie, I had a sense of amazement and awe as I experienced the borrower’s world, actually feeling like I was the borrower myself.  At times I thought that the movie was a tad slow and it could have been a bit more exciting, but overall, I had a very good time watching this movie.                                        

                    

This is no “Secret”….this movie is worth going to!

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Released:   February 2012

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: «««« «

Movie Summary:

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…

The first chapter of the immensely awesome “Star Wars” saga is brought back to the big screen, this time in stellar 3D.  Here, we are introduced to Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his young but faithful Padawan apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, as they seek negotiations with the Separatists.  They soon discover a plot by the Separatists themselves to kidnap Queen Amidala and take over her city in the planet of Naboo.  They journey to the planet to rescue the Queen.  As they retreat from the planet, their ship breaks down and they have to land on the small desert planet of Tatooine in order to find help and hopefully get the parts they need to repair the ship.   In the city of Mos Eisley, the Jedis and the Queen meet a kind, strong-willed boy named Anakin Skywalker, who wants to help them get their ship repaired.  So he enters himself into a Podrace, a very dangerous racing sport, where he hopes he can win money in order to help the Jedis fix the ship.  Qui-Gon thinks that this young boy is “The Chosen One” that will restore order to the Force in the galaxy.  He vies to train him as his new apprentice.  As the fate of the city of Naboo rests in their hands, the Jedis and the Queen launch a daring attempt to save the now Separatist-ruled city and restore peace to the galaxy.  In the meantime, evil Emperor Palpatine has sent his Padawan, a skilled and deadly Sith known as Darth Maul, to stop them. 

I think this movie is the best of the saga, a very thrilling and exciting adventure that Star Wars fans are sure to enjoy!  The 3D is awesome, but the movie is AWESOMER!!!  

        

Go to the theater to see this movie, you must.  The Force will be with you.

 

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Released:   February 2012

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: ««« 

Movie Summary:

“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” picks up a couple years after the first movie, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” left off.  Teenage adventurer Sean Anderson discovers a code message left by his grandfather, who disappeared several years before, looking for an island in the middle of the ocean.  He was inspired by the Jules Verne book titled “The Mysterious Island”.  Sean half-heartedly accepts the help of his stepdad Hank to help decode the message.  They discover clues that lead them to finding map coordinates that Sean thinks will lead them to the island.  They set off to look for the island, recruiting goofy helicopter pilot Gabato and his daughter Kailani to help take them to the map coordinates safely.  As you would expect, a deadly storm comes along and the effects of the storm send the helicopter and its passengers downward, crash-landing on the island.  Sean, Hank and friends discover that they have landed themselves in “The Mysterious Island” itself, a wondrous land that is both amazing and extremely dangerous!  (I won’t give away all the secrets of the island though; you’ll have to watch the movie to find out!)  They reunite with Sean’s grandfather, an aging but adventurous explorer, who has been living on the island ever since he was stranded there.  When the adventurers discover that the water level of the island is rising rapidly and that the island will be forced underwater, they embark on a perilous “journey” to escape the island and get back to civilization before its too late.

“Journey 2” is a good movie, but it could have been better with more drama and emotion.  It was exciting at times and the 3D graphics were very impressive.  I would recommend seeing this movie in 3D.  Overall, “Journey 2” is a good movie adventure!                  

                    

“Journey” to the theater to see “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island”!

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor

War Horse

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    War Horse

Released:   December 2011

Movie Rating:  PG-13

Star Rating: «««1/2

Movie Summary:

Setting in the midst of World War I, “War Horse” tells the story of a young teenage boy named Albert and the strong friendship he shares with his horse, whom he names Joey.  When Joey is taken by the U.S. Army to be trained as a military horse, Albert enlists himself in the Army because he is determined to be reunited with his beloved horse. 

“War Horse” is a movie that contains what you would expect in a war film, a lot of violence.  It is also very touching and teaches the morals of friendship, courage, persistence and the willing to fight for what you believe in.            

Gallop on over to the movies to see “War Horse”!

  

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    The Adventures of Tintin:  Secret of the Unicorn

Released:   December 2011

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: ««« 1/2    

Movie Summary:

The movie sets as a young reporter, Tintin, buys a very interesting model ship from a vendor.  As he buys the model, a man comes up to him and warns him to return the model or he will face extreme danger.   Next, a man named Red Rackham asks if he can trade him for the model ship, and he wants it badly.  This strikes Tintin’s curiosity.  So he investigates the object and is stunned to find a piece of paper containing a strange clue hidden in the model.  Just as he begins to piece together the clue, he is taken hostage by Rackham.  He learns of Rackham’s desperate attempt to find the three missing model ships which all contain hidden clues.  Rackham thinks that the clues will lead him to an infamous treasure, a treasure that was aboard the mystical pirate ship, The Unicorn.  Tintin escapes and joins forces with his faithful dog, Snowy, and Captain Haddock, descendant of the Captain of the Unicorn to embark on a globe-trotting adventure to get to the treasure before Rackham finds it first. 

“Tintin” is directed by Steven Spielberg and has the same thrilling spirit of excitement and adventure that his Indiana Jones films possessed.   However, it is somewhat violent for an animated family film and contains alcohol consumption throughout the movie.  Overall, I think “Tintin” isn’t the best film, but is certainly a good adventure movie that makes for a fun ride! 

Tintin may not be a “tin” « movie, but it is well worth the watch!   

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

 Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Released:   December 2011

Movie Rating:  PG-13

Star Rating: ««««1/2

Movie Summary:

“Ghost Protocol” is the fourth installment in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise.  In this film, IMF agent Ethan Hunt and his team, consisting of first time field agent Jane Carter, and technology expert Benji Dunn, are assigned on a mission to infiltrate the Kremlin building.  But as their plans unfold, they soon realize that someone’s after them.  They barely escape before the Kremlin is unexpectedly bombed by an unknown enemy agent.  The entire IMF organization is framed for the bombing, and Ethan and his comrades are disavowed.  The President of the United States initiates the Ghost Protocol program, forcing the agents to resort to an immediate plan of action.  They soon discover that the bomber of the Kremlin is attempting to begin a nuclear war with the United States.  On their own, Ethan, Jane, Benji, and a mysterious IMF analyst named William Brandt, risk everything to clear their organization’s name and must work together to stop the bomber before the world engages in war.

“Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” is a fun ride, with lots of action and suspense.  The action sequences in the film are very exciting and imaginative.  The sequence in which Ethan scales the Burj Khalifa building in Dubai is pure awesome.  When watching this movie, I just couldn’t stop saying “Whoa!” “Ghost Protocol” sets the standard for action movies, turning up the thrill meter as far as it can go.   So, if you’re up for an exhilarating and awesome action thriller, then this movie is for you!        

              

Your mission, should you decide to accept it…is to see “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol”.  This movie review will self-destruct in 5 seconds.  Good luck.  

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor

 

Arthur Christmas

 

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Arthur Christmas

Released:   November 2011

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: ««««1/2     

Movie Summary:

Every Christmas night, Santa brings presents to every kid in the entire world.  But the question is: how does he do it?  The answer is in ‘Arthur Christmas’.  Underneath the North Pole, Steve Claus, Santa’s oldest son, runs the new, modernized operation of gift delivering on Christmas Eve.  This is accomplished by a swift, massive spaceship, the use of new technology and the help of elves, who are tasked with making the deliveries to the houses in mere seconds.  But one Christmas, the operation takes a turn for the worse when a lone child is accidentally missed.  Steve and his father could care less, but Arthur, his kind-hearted, but clumsy youngest son, wants to set things right.  Arthur, along with his old but “young at heart” grandfather, Grandsanta, and an intelligent wrapping division elf named Bryony, use the forgotten, but original reindeer-and-sleigh “operation” to set off to deliver gifts to the lone child.  They attempt to save Christmas once and for all! 

Sporting a great cast and an engaging story, “Arthur Christmas” is a family-friendly, funny, lively, and surprisingly touching animated movie.   

                                        

Jingle all the way to the theater to see “Arthur Christmas”!

                                                

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor

The Muppets

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    The Muppets

Released:   November 2011

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: «««1/2     

Movie Summary:

In the lively city of Smalltown, young Walter has always looked up to the infamous Muppets, with whom he grew up by watching on TV.  Now, in the modern times, where the show has ended and people have forgotten them, the Muppets have separated and gone their own ways.  When Walter is invited on a vacation to Hollywood with his brother, Gary and Gary’s girlfriend, Mary, Walter is thrilled!  Walter persuades Gary and Mary to take him to visit the old abandoned Muppet Theater in L.A.  While in the theater, Walter learns of the plans of evil oil industrialist Tex Richman, who wants to demolish the theater so that he can drill oil wells in its location.  Together, Walter, Mary and Gary set off to reunite the Muppets and put on a show to save the theater once and for all. 

“The Muppets” is a funny and often touching movie, but it does have some rude humor.

                                                           

Spend your “green” at the theater to see “The Muppets”!

                                                

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor

Puss in Boots

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Puss in Boots

Released:   October 2011

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: «««1/2     

Movie Summary:

The famous swashbuckling cat from the Shrek movies gets his own film, which tells the story of how he became a legend.  The movie sets in the quiet Spanish city of San Ricardo, where Puss, now known as an outlaw because of a crime that he didn’t commit, is on the run and fighting to clear his name.  Puss gets a chance when an old friend, an inventive and intelligent egg by the name of Humpty Alexander Dumpty, along with a sly pickpocket named Kitty Softpaws, recruits him to help find the infamous magic beans.   They plot to plant the beans so that they can climb the beanstalk to reach the castle in the sky, where the Goose That Lays the Golden Eggs lives.   But it turns out that they’re not alone in this quest.  Evil outlaws, Jack and Jill, want to use the powers of the beans to destroy the world.  When the city of San Ricardo is in danger, Puss and his compadres must do everything they can to save the town and clear Puss’ name before time runs out. 

“Puss in Boots” is an action-packed and often funny movie, although it does have some rude humor.             

                

Pronto, mi compadres, to the theater, and see this purr-fectly claw-some movie!

                                                

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor

Hugo

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Hugo

Released:   October 2011

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: ««««     

Movie Summary:

Setting in 1930’s Paris, this movie tells the story of a young orphan boy named Hugo who lives with his father, an inventor and clockmaker.  He and his father are working on an automaton (a robot figure), that can draw and write.  But tragically, his father dies before finishing the project, leaving Hugo alone.  Skip several years later, and Hugo is living as an orphan, fixing the clocks of a busy train station.  He is doing his best to survive on his own and stay out of the grasp of the sinister station inspector.   Hugo believes that his father left him a message that only the automaton can reveal, and so he sets off to unlock the secret.  Hugo soon finds a friend, named Isabelle, who helps him in his quest. Together they set off to solve the mystery, while they unwittingly make influences on everyone around them during their adventures, including Isabelle’s godfather, an aging former director. 

I saw this movie in 3D, and I would highly recommend it.  I think ‘Hugo’ is a very interesting and imaginative movie, though it runs a tad bit long.  Otherwise, ‘Hugo’ is a family-friendly, good movie!       

                                               

Don’t waste your ‘time’ on a bad movie, get to the theater and see “Hugo”!

                                                

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor

Real Steel

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Real Steel

Released:   October 2011

Movie Rating:  PG-13

Star Rating: «««1/2     

Movie Summary:

Set in the future, “Real Steel” tells the story of Charlie Kenton, a former boxer who was forced out of his career when big metal robots took over the sport of boxing.  Charlie, who is now an unsuccessful boxing promoter, finds out that his wife has died and that he will now have full custody of his son, Max.  Charlie and Max do not see eye to eye, because in the past, Charlie had never spent much time with him.  Once they realize that they both share a passion of robot boxing, they begin to form a relationship and learn to care about each other.  When Charlie and Max discover the remains of a robot in a steel factory and piece the robot back together (whom they name Atom), they enter him into the sport of boxing.  After many successes with the robot, they find that they have a chance of winning the robot boxing title. 

“Real Steel” has some good morals about forgiveness and persistence.  The boxing scenes are cool, but the movie does contain some language.  “Real Steel” is a good movie.                                          

                   

Gear up and head to the theater to see this “real” cool movie!

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor

Dolphin Tale

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Dolphin Tale

Released:   September 2011

Movie Rating:  PG

Star Rating: «««1/2     

Movie Summary:

‘Dolphin Tale’ tells the story of Sawyer, a shy, withdrawn, young boy who isn’t doing well in school.  He spends most of his time playing his Nintendo DS and building model airplanes and helicopters in his garage workshop.  One day, Sawyer’s life changes when he helps free an injured dolphin whose tail was caught in a crab trap.  The dolphin is taken to a nearby aquarium facility for care.  On his way to and from school every day, Sawyer sneaks in and checks on the dolphin.  He is soon discovered and befriended by a bubbly, talkative young girl named Hazel, whose dad, Dr. Clay, runs the facility.  Sawyer soon develops a friendship with them and develops an even stronger relationship with Winter, the dolphin he helped save.  Things start to look good for Winter, but her tail becomes infected.  Dr. Clay and the marine staff decide that the only way they can save her is to amputate her tail.  Sawyer knows that without a tail, a dolphin can’t swim and thus, will not likely survive.  He seeks out the help of Dr. Cameron McCarthy, a prosthetics doctor, who soon believes he’s found the answer to the dolphin’s problems: a prosthetic tail for Winter.  Meanwhile, Winter overcomes her struggles and learns to swim with her new tail.  Winter’s story of survival, as well as the persistence of Sawyer and his friends at the aquarium facility, inspires others and those inflicted with paralyzing diseases to never give up! 

“Dolphin Tale” is a good, family-friendly, and inspiring movie that is based on a true story.          

Swim to the theater to see “Dolphin Tale”!
                        

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Released:   August 2011

Movie Rating:  PG-13

Star Rating: ««««

Movie Summary:

‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’, a prequel to the first ‘Planet of the Apes’ movie, tells the story of how it all began!  Will Stanton is a kind-hearted research scientist in San Francisco whose strong persistence to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease leads him to experiment on apes.  He finds a chance for a cure in one ape, who’s intelligence increased dramatically after being experimented on.  When she dies, Will raises her son, a tiny chimp named Caesar.  As he grows up, Caesar’s intelligence rates rise and he begins to question whether to stay with Will and his family, or return to his true home in the wild.  Caesar learns of the terrible treatment of apes and chimps in the city.  This causes him to free all the primates and lead them on a revolution against the humans.

“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is an action-packed, suspenseful, and often emotional movie.  Personally, I found it a lot better and much more interesting than the original “Planet of the Apes” movie.  The motion-capture CG animation of Caesar and the apes is amazing.  The movie strongly explains that we cannot and must not try to play God’s role in ruling the world, but always let Him be in control of the world, for there is nothing that He cannot do.    

Go “Ape” and head to the theater to see “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”!

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The Movie Critic, Connor

Captain America: The First Avenger

Connor's Movie Review

Movie Title:    Captain America: The First Avenger

Released:   July 2011

Movie Rating:  PG-13

Star Rating: ««««1/2     

Movie Summary:

Steve Rogers is a scrawny, but brave man who desperately wants to serve his country (the movie is set in World War II), but the army rejects him.  When an opportunity arises that gives Steve another chance, he enlists in an experimental military program that creates “super soldiers” with the help of a powerful serum.  He becomes a super soldier and joins the U.S. Army.  He sets off on a mission to stop Johann Schmidt, head of weapons research for Hitler, from using a mystical object’s powers to destroy the world. 

“Captain America” is an action-packed and often feel-good movie that teaches the value of courage and fighting for what you believe in.  Everyone can become a hero and make a difference in the world.  This is a true patriotic movie that you won’t want to miss, containing plenty of action, suspense, humor, and thrills to satisfy Marvel fans and movie fans alike!  Also, stay through the credits and get a sneak peek at Marvel Studios’ next superhero film The Avengers, which comes to theaters next summer.                            

                    

Suit up, grab your shield and head to the theater to see this awesome movie!

Enjoy the Movie!  Save Some Popcorn For Me!

The Movie Critic, Connor