The Karate Kid

I'm always cautious when it's a remake of a classic film.  They succeeded in this one.  It stayed true to the original storyline without making it feel repetitive.  They made it current for today.  The characters were fully developed  in a unique way.  The culture and beauty of China was captured wonderfully.  Even though you knew exactly what was going to happen in the plot, each scene held surprises and intrigue.  When Jaden Smith was asked on a talk show what the best advice his dad had given him, he said it was not to "act" but to "be" the character.  He certainly followed that great advice.  He definately is and will be a star.  I also loved the fact that it is the perfect family film.  Nothing that needs to be edited.  It is for all ages to see.  The messages were strong and needed in todays world.  This is a 10 out of 10!

The A Team

Now that was fun.  Even though I didn't watch the series, I did know who the characters were.  But Mike was a fan and said it was very nostalgic.   The great thing about it was you felt like you were getting your money's worth because it wasn't just one mission, it was like four.   I thought it was a cross between The Italian Job with strategy and revenge and Indiana Jones for making the absurd seem possible.  The comedy was laugh out loud fun!  And of course the action never stopped.  I hope they do a sequel.

Marmaduke

This is the perfect film for children 5 to 11 years old.  The special effects for talking dogs was done very well.  The facial expressions on the dog even looked like Owen Wilson.  I would not rank this film in the same category of Marley and Me or Beverly Hills Chihuahua.  Both of those films I would probably see again.  Marmaduke most likely not.  6 out of 10 for children only.

Killers

What a fun movie!  Ashton Kutcher and Kathering Heigl are hilarious.  I'll compare it to Mr. & Mrs. Smith.  The twists and turns in the plot were pleasantly surprising.  If you don't like violence, miss this one.  But we loved it.  The only disappointment was in the last five minutes the f word was used un-necessarily. 9 out of 10 rating for fun entertainment.

Oceans

Beautiful and inspiring for the entire family.  We viewed it at the Cine Capri which is the largest non-IMAX screen in Arizona.  10 out of 10 for a documentary.

Robin Hood

Because we had heard so many negative reviews on this movie, we were not expecting much.  It is true that it strays from the original storyline, only we liked the new storyline.  There was not as much violence as expected and maybe some would be disappointed in that but we were not.  It had much more to do with the political situation at the time and more about their cause.  This made it more interesting to us.  The humor was subtle and enjoyable.  8 out of 10 rating

Prince of Persia

We saw this at the Cine-Capri also.  It makes you feel like you are there.  Extremely full of action.  Even though it is a Disney film, probably too violent for little ones.  Lots of slicing and dicing!  Other than that, very family friendly.  9 out of 10 for adventure.

Letters to Juliet

I love a romance.  It was very predictable and I still enjoyed it.  What you see in the previews is what you get, only more of it.  8 out of 10.

Iron Man 2

You have to have seen Iron Man I to enjoy this film fully.  It was a great sequal.  Full of action, humor and suspence.  A must see for action.  9 out of 10

Shrek Forever After

This is another sequal you have to have seen the previous ones to enjoy it fully.  I laughed the whole way through.  The only thing I didn't like is that most of it takes place at night and it was almost always dark.  Great message in appreciating what you have!  9 out of 10

How to Train Your Dragon

Loved this cute family film.  Full of great messages.  This is one kids can watch repeatedly.  9 out of 10

Date Night

A must see for married couples.  Many meaningful messages  filled with hilarity and adventure.  Caution for those who might be offended by pole dancing, sexual refferences, and a mans bare chest. 9 out of 10 for a couples comedy

City Island

This one is hard for me to  refer to just anyone.  Caution for the PG13.  It has pole dancing, sexual situations and launguage.  I just happen to love dysfunctional families, and this is certainly one.  I don't think I have laughed harder at any film this year.  My cheeks ached when I left.  It started out slow and ended like Arsnic and Old Lace with everything coming out all at once.  Excellent comedy timing.  9 out of 10