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**** STARS

Have you ever seen a movie that was so funny that you embarrassed yourself because you were laughing so uncontrollably loud and hard? This was the experience I had while watching the absolutely genius and over the top comedy “Hamlet 2″. This summer could easily go down as a history making season for adult comedies (”Pineapple Express”, “Tropic Thunder”, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”), but somehow “Hamlet 2″ pushes the boundaries of taste and humor without offending and rehashing old gags making it the best of the lot.

Steve Coogan is nothing less than brilliant as the main character Dana Marschz (his last name is the source of one of the film’s best jokes) who after a failed acting career has turned to inspiring high school students in drama class. The first 10 minutes of this film had me slapping my knee, covering my mouth and choking on soda all at once. The jokes in “Hamlet 2″ come at you at a rapid pace giving you no time to breathe. All of this comedy magic lies on Steve Coogan’s shoulders, his timing and physical humor are unlike any other big screen goof ball out there.

This film also has a great cast of supporting young actors and a marvelously smart screenplay by Andrew Flemming (”Dick”, “The Craft”, and “Threesome”) that is like a fresh breath of air. Amy Poehler and Catherine Keener also give gut busting performances that are insanely funny. Even though this movie is silly and shocking in places it still remains sweet and you walk out of the theater satisfied and wanting to see more. The music numbers alone stay imbedded in your brain days later, I am still singing “Rock Me Sexy Jesus” or “Rape My Face” as I clean house and do chores.

“Hamlet 2″ is the perfect movie going experience that could lift anyone out of the obvious summer movie doldrums and it beats most of the cookie cutter blockbusters at the multiplex out there now. This movie is a rare treat and the definition of the ultimate comic gem. I definitely suggest a big group of you and your closest friends make a field trip just to see Elizabeth Shue’s performance alone! This film will most likely become a cult classic and one of those films I personally will want to watch over and over.

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR “HAMLET 2″ BELOW:

*** STARS

Most ego-driven films that are directed, produced and written by it’s main star tend to flop (think of John Travolta’s “Battlefield Earth” or Kevin Costner’s “The Postman”) but Ben Stiller is smarter than your average Hollywood mover and shaker. “Tropic Thunder” has the same comedic magic that “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Pineapple Express” had, but it adds a twist that creates a non-stop wizz bang laugh filled ride with lots of highs and a few small lows.

Stiller has a wicked sense of humor that is honest and always innovative. The most unique and refreshing part of “Tropic Thunder” is that it pokes fun at all the contrived bloated messes that have been churned out by Hollywood for years. Using a war film plot and incorporating huge action sequences this movie raises the bar on high concept comedies.

Unfortunately the humor of a movie within a movie premise gets old; thankfully the brilliant cast is able to rise above the uneven material and save this film from feeling like it was all over the place. There was one casting fumble in my opinion and it was Tom Cruise’s mini-role as the Weinstein-esque studio head. It was an over the top role and an obvious ploy by Stiller to give a boost to Cruise’s recently tarnished reputation, and it wasn’t that funny.

Robert Downey Jr. is also riding a wave of popularity in Hollywood with the double whammy of “Iron Man” and now “Thunder”. I am pretty sure at this point his “controversial” politically incorrect, genius portrayal of an African American soldier will garner him a Golden Globe nomination or win. His performance is down right brilliant as it wavers on the edge of uncomfortable and side splittingly hilarious.

The first 15 minutes of this movie are comedy gold. I can’t give too much away but the originality and laugh per minute ratio are in full gear. The middle of this film becomes sluggish when we learn more about Jack Black’s character. When all of these lead actors come together on screen they make magic that will leave you in stitches. Keep your eyes out for awesome performances by the always funny Steve Coogan and Danny McBride.

I am sure that after multiple viewings this film will provide more laughs that I may have not caught before. At the very least “Tropic Thunder” is a terrific R-rated film for grown ups to enjoy. I personally loved the sweet and gritty edge that “Pineapple Express” provided more than this movie.

“Tropic Thunder” does offer up some biting satire and genuinely funny moments that must be seen on the big screen. Even though the main gimmick and broad set up gets a bit old and far fetched, the huge who’s who of comedic actors in this movie makes it a special treat. Just when I thought this summer couldn’t get any bigger, a unqiue treat like “Tropic Thunder” comes out.

*** 1/2 STARS

Forget “Harold & Kumar” this summer belongs to Dale & Saul, the sweetest pot smoking duo since Cheech & Chong. This movie’s sweet charm was a complete surprise. I was expecting the pothead shenanigans to be funny at most, but not touching and witty. “Pineapple Express” is more than a stoner comedy; it is a classic buddy flick with one of the best and most realistic modern male relationships to ever be put on film.

Seth Rogan plays Dale, a stoner who witnesses a murder who is forced to go on the run with his dealer Saul, played by the always cute James Franco. The plot is familiar but it is also ripe for goofy chronic fused action, fast paced chase scenes and hilariously written banter. The biggest surprise in this movie is the character “Red” played by the brilliant Danny McBride. The comedy reaches its peak when all three actors are bouncing off each other with wicked abandon creating laughs at a feverish pitch.

The sentimental moments are balanced out with graphic violence, the ever classic “kicked in the nuts” gags and the terrific chemistry between the familiar supporting cast of comedic actors. The short running time and crisp screenplay give this movie a tone of realism which makes you think how much pot producer Judd Apatow and creator Seth Rogan have actually smoked in their collective careers, I’m guessing it’s a lot. Just watch the scene towards the end with Red, Saul and Dale in the diner and you will know what I mean.

Whatever they are doing Apatow and Rogan are on a creative streak with their fresh brand of current humor. “Pineapple Express” is so far the best comedy of 2008 along with “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Be Kind, Rewind” (which are also two fabulously funny “must see” films). Pineapple Express isn’t a dumb stoner comedy; it is a smart always entertaining laugh-fest with some awesome red eyed performances by Franco and Rogan.

It’s a bit obvious to say that you will get tons of marijuana jokes and drug references in “Express”, but what you won’t expect is the finely directed action and charm that eventually wins you over. Saul and Dale are two of the sweetest stoners to ever grace the big screen and this is a pitch perfect buddy film. This movie will go down as one of the top 3 pot smoking films of all time and as one of my favorite films of 2008.

WATCH THE “PINEAPPLE EXPRESS” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

** 1/2 STARS

This summer has really been hurting for a smart adult comedy with some fresh crude jokes and crackling wit. Even though this movie comes from some of the guys that brought us “Knocked Up” and “Super Bad” this movie is nowhere near as shrewd or brilliantly ribald as those comedies. What “Step Brothers” is though is a ridiculously over the top laugh filled comedy with SOME hilarious moments.

The small running time of “Step Brothers” saves this film from becoming irritating or grating on the nerves. Enough slapstick mayhem and f-words are peppered throughout the 1 hour and 45 minute running time to make this film feel fresh and not rehashed. The chemistry between John C. Riley and Will Farrell as a dysfunctional step brother team is pretty inspired; it is obvious they had a blast fucking with each other and adlibbing lines. Watching them try to kill eachother and then suddenly bond like ten year old boys is pretty hilarious and ridiculous at the same time.

This film isn’t a classic by any means, some jokes do fall flat and like I said earlier the plot tends to meander but the small length of this film made it an amusing trip to the movie theater. Now that I have seen this film (and most of the other 2008 summer blockbusters) I can safely say that either “Tropic Thunder” or “Pineapple Express” have the potential to be just as smart and crude as “40 Year Old Virgin” or “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”. Unfortunately “Step Brothers” isn’t as good as “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”, Riley’s best comedy, or “Old School”, Farrell’s best, but it is a worthy addition to your Will Farrell DVD collection or rental.

*** 1/2 STARS

I was not a huge fan of the first “Hellboy” film but over multiple DVD viewings it has grown on me. Guillermo Del Toro is one of my all time favorite directors so I jump at the chance to see anything he has done, the awesome trailer only heightened my excitement to see “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” this summer. Much like the mega blockbuster “Batman” this movie is pure entertainment and it blew me away with its inventiveness and adult tone.

Hellboy and his gang of secret BPRD (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense) government agents are on a mission to save the earth from a centuries old war waged by mystical creatures from the underworld. Selma Blair as Liz Sherman, a pyrokinetic member of the BPRD (and Hellboy’s girlfriend) has great chemistry with Ron Perlman’s cranky Hellboy. The creative story and snappy dialogue help make this film more than a cartoonish comic book movie; this is a great adult fantasy film.

The amount of detail Del Toro put into creating a universe full of trolls, goblins, man eating tooth fairies, ogres and mystical creatures is mind blowing. Every inch of the screen is filled with eye popping colors and a glossy comic book sheen that is beautiful. The creature effects and make-up are astonishing and done meticulously well. The whole film has the same Del Toro magic feeling as his Oscar winning masterpiece “Pan’s Labyrinth.”

“Hellboy II” is a better film than “Indiana Jones 4″ and some of the other big budgeted Hollywood hits that have come out so far this summer because of its simplicity. The comical tone and captivating images create a completely enjoyable movie going experience. If Del Toro makes a third “Hellboy” film I will be there opening night with the giddy anticipation of a comic book geek.

*** STARS

This past weekend “The Dark Knight” blew away all other movie records in film history to become the biggest summer film of all time. The buzz behind this film came to a fever pitch as the ravenous public gobbled up over $160 million dollars worth of movie tickets over three days. Although Heath Ledger’s sudden death earlier this year added a bit of a curiosity factor to some sales, the majority of the movie’s success is solely because of the air tight script, insightful Direction by Chris Nolan and solid acting by the whole cast.

Now I’m going to get the whole Heath Ledger thing out of the way and say that, yes indeed, his demonic performance is worthy of an Oscar nomination, but not a win. When Ledger is on screen you can cut the intensity with a knife in the audience. He has truly created the best onscreen comic book villain of all time. I’d even go as far as to say that “The Dark Knight’s” Joker is the most realistic criminal ever put onto the big screen.

The plot of this Batman film plays out like a classic Scorsese crime film or a morality tale rather than just a comic book adaptation. The film is so full of skin-crawling performances, complex storytelling, and profound ideas that you forget you are watching a Batman movie. “The Dark Knight” is an electrifying, thought-provoking action movie that asks some deep questions.

The supporting cast made up of Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine and Gary Oldman only make this movie more out of this world and epic. Even though it can be too violent at times “The Dark Knight” is the definition of a summer movie. The pulse pounding action and slick special effects are secondary to the sublime acting and strong storytelling in this crime masterpiece. If you want to witness movie history being made then do not miss this crowd pleasing instant summer classic while it is still in theaters.

*** STARS

“Mamma Mia!” is the film adaptation of the popular world wide mega-hit musical, based on the songs of successful Swedish pop group ABBA. Meryl Streep heads the cast of the film, playing the role of single mother Donna Sheridan who has been keeping a secret from her daughter. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd play the three potential fathers to Donna’s daughter Sophie (played by the talented Amanda Seyfried) who’ve been secretly invited to the wedding by Sophie to find out which one could be her dad. Although the set up may sound like it was taken from a sitcom, the slapstick mayhem and music work well together.

If you are not familiar with the stage play then be warned: this film is REALLY gay and chock full of “girlie” moments….that said, “Mamma Mia!” was so much fun I was blown away! Most musicals that come out these days seem to have Oscar gold on their minds long before being released. “Dreamgirls” was a fun musical but it was also too serious for its own good. “Hairspray” was a pitch perfect modern musical that comes as close to the exuberant charm of “Mamma Mia!” then any other in recent memory.

The plot of “Mamma Mia!” may seem paper thin, but the adult humor and sexual innuendo peppered throughout this musical keep it from coming off too sticky and sweet like a fist full of cotton candy. The lyrics from each of the ABBA songs used are taken literally when applied to the plot. This is one of the elements that give “Mamma Mia!” the ability to make you laugh out loud and even stand up and cheer. The energy in the audience seemed to grow with each new song and by the end people were singing and dancing in the theater!

The most surprising performance had to come from Pierce Brosnan and the always delightful Christine Baranski (as Meryl Streep’s close friend). The loudest reactions from the audience came from Baranski’s musical numbers and Brosnan’s over the top singing voice. The campy set up and glittery sheen of “Mamma Mia!” doesn’t smother the film completely, there are actually some genuinely tender and sweet moments to be enjoyed.

Meryl Streep again shows that she is America’s most diversified actress in this fun (albeit touristy) musical. This film is so sunny that it should crack through any cynicism and win over the hearts of movie lovers this summer. Of course, it helps to have an A-list cast singing their hearts out to some of the most popular songs ever recorded. This is one of those films that works on every level. If you discount this movie solely based on the material you may be missing out on one of the most surprising fun moments to be had in theaters this year!

WATCH THE “MAMMA MIA!” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

** 1/2 STARS

I used to love watching old re-runs of “Get Smart” on Nickelodeon when I was a kid. It was one of the first spoof television shows and it set a trend for slapstick comedies like “The Police Squad” and “Sledgehammer” that followed. If anyone was born to play Max “Agent 86″ Smart it had to be Steve Carrell. He brings the same bumbling charm to the character as Don Adams did to the original.

The only major thing hampering this film from being great is the heavy presence of TV material in a PG-13 rated film. Even though it is entertaining the uneven feel of this film makes it feel about 20 minutes too long. The presence of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and the always cute Anne Hathaway as “Agent 99″ also lift this film from discount DVD bin obscurity. Alan Arkin is also fun to watch onscreen, all the actors look like they had a blast making this film and that always helps in setting the tone for a comedy.

The action and jokes in “Get Smart” are pretty adult hence the rating, but the jokes stay away from fart gags and potty humor. This movie is at its best when the action and comedy blend to make truly fun summer movie moments, but they don’t clutter up the whole film. We get some silly sight gags and hidden references that are always fun to look out for in TV to big screen movie adaptations.

I found myself laughing out loud more than once and that is a lot more than I can say about recent comedies that Hollywood has produced (”What Happens in Vegas” and “Maid of Honor” anyone??). This isn’t great summer movie material, but it was good filler to kill some time on a cloudy Sunday summer afternoon. Something tells me this film will translate much better on the small screen anyway.

**** STARS

Every so often a film will come out and its universal charm and message captivates a generation with its unique message. Pixar’s “Wall-E” is that film that breaks down barriers and touches people at their core. The beauty about Pixar’s films is that they illicit emotions from inanimate objects and silence, this films first 30 minutes proves that a lot can be said without saying anything at all.

I could pick this film apart in so many fun, thought provoking ways but that would be the over analytical adult in me trying to make sense of this simple little story of two robots coming together and learning how to love. There are no heavy handed spiritual revelations or religious undertones in this movie. This is a cartoon where you must suspend disbelief and the idea of a “soul” becomes irrelevant. The story unfolds in such a fluid and realistic fashion that you never once pause in disbelief.

The sweet story of a sensitive robot and his search for love and friendship may sound simple but Pixar’s distinct brand of storytelling gives this animation an edge none of their other movies have. There are some dark themes in “Wall-E” that had me pausing and realizing how deep some of these messages truly are. The way Pixar depicts the catastrophic environmental damage and the evolution of the human body in the future doesn’t depict people in the same loveable manner as the mish mash of robotic characters seen on screen.

I think that animation allows people to learn different things that live action sometimes can miss and this love story is one of a kind and wholly original. I will echo what many critics are saying that this film will garner a Best Picture Academy Award nod. Not since “Beauty & the Beast” was released over 15 years ago has another other animated film been worthy of the nomination. As of right now this is my favorite film of 2008 and I doubt any other film will move me more.

WATCH THE “WALL-E” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

** 1/2 STARS

Over 5 years ago Ang Lee released his version of the “Hulk” to scathing reviews and little fanfare from audiences. His looney translation of the popular comic angered fans and made the film a phenomenal flop. Edward Norton’s recent outing as “The Incredible Hulk” is a fun ride but the pay off at the end feels empty. But this time around I walked out of the theater much more satisfied then the last time I saw the big green monster on the silver screen.

Most of the excitement and thrills in this film come from Edward Norton’s testosterone charged action scenes as Bruce Banner. Once the “Hulk” comes on the screen the pay off doesn’t feel worth the wait. The visual effects in this movie don’t cohesively exist with the real life actors and backdrop they feel more like animation than CGI. When the “Hulk” is on screen he doesn’t look real and at times he borders on looking cartoonish.

The performances in “The Hulk” save it from sinking into campy B-movie territory. Liv Tyler does a sweet job as Betty Ross the love interest to Bruce Banner. One of the most fun aspects of this movie is watching Tim Roth chew up the scenery as the evil Emil Blonsky (who later turns into “Abomination”). Edward Norton is terrifically cast as Banner but the rest of the script doesn’t rise above being silly and familiar.

If you put some of the visual styles aside, this movie was fun and entertaining. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I was a tad bit disappointed by this latest rendition of the popular green superhero. I can’t help but feel that a truly incredible “Hulk” film is still waiting to be made. Norton’s sexy charismatic personality and acting aren’t enough to make this film a classic along the lines of “Spiderman 2″ or “Batman Begins”.

** 1/2 STARS

After the huge success of “The Sixth Sense” M. Night Shyamalan has been under intense scrutiny with each new release. Many would say the quality of his work has deteriorated with each new film he puts out. I am a big fan of Shyamalan’s distinct brand of direction and storytelling. Unfortunately this movie’s pay off is not as fulfilling as his other big hits “Signs” and “Unbreakable”, this movie fits somewhere between his least successful movies “The Village” and “Lady in the Water”.

The main think that hampers down this film is the terrible acting by Mark Wahlberg as a “Science teacher”; it was so bad it became distracting during some of the more intense scenes. Shyamalan’s realistic and at times hilarious dialogue saves him from completely ruining the entire movie. Zooey Deschanel does a good job as Wahlberg’s constantly brooding girlfriend and keeps Wahlberg from completely missing the mark. But as usual in a film by Shyamalan, the supporting characters and various extra’s have some of the best moments in “The Happening”.

I can’t say too much without giving away Shyamalan’s signature “hook” or “twistâ€?, but this one is subtlety creepy and very effective. The “R” rating leads way for Shyamalan to show us his spin on gore and I have a sinking suspicion that he could put out an awesome horror movie on the scale of Brian De Palma’s “Carrie” or Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. The graphic death scenes are what make me recommend this film the most.

Once again M. Night is dividing audiences with his unique style of storytelling with “The Happening”. I happen to like his imaginative and childish look at life. This movie is like a pleasant (and disturbing) long drawn out episode of “The Twilight Zone” or “Tales From The Crypt” episode and for fans of the quirky genre this will be satisfying. As far as summer movie fare goes this was a nice chilling ride at the cinema.

WATCH “THE HAPPENING” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

*** 1/2 STARS

I was not only surprised by how much I liked “Kung Fu Panda” I was blown away by the non-stop action and originality of the whole film. The computer animation is only rivaled by that of the magicians at Pixar. The fresh, vibrant and crisp images on the screen are spectacular, it only helps that the story and characters are just as fresh and exciting.

This comedy is truly about story and it doesn’t rely on pop culture references, fart jokes or screwball antics to tell it’s tale. The action sequences will take your breath away they are so captivating. The ancient Chinese setting and wide array of various talking animals makes this a creative and superb piece of family entertainment. This is one of the best computer animated films I have ever seen.

The voice work by Jack Black as “Panda” and Dustin Hoffman as “Master Shifu” is absolutley superb and side splittingly hilarious. All of the dialog in this movie is snappy and crackling with wit and new jokes. There is not one frame in this film that feels familiar or recycled from other animated features. “Kind Fu Panda” is a stand alone piece of entertainment who’s charm can reach all ages.

The underlined themes and plot in “Panda” are perfect for little ones, and it doesn’t come of preachy or heavy handed. All of the gorgeous animation and terrific character work make this cartoon a shoe-in for a Best Animated Oscar nomination. I can easily call “Kung Fu Panda” one of my favorite films of 2008 so far, rush to go see this one folks!

WATCH THE EXTENDED “KUNG FU PANDA” TRAILER BELOW:

*** STARS

I have seen every episode of the “Sex & the City” cable TV series. I am a die hard fan. So if you don’t care for the TV show then there is no way this film will change your mind and win you over. This is a film made for the fans and it works as a great companion to the landmark HBO series. If this movie were cut down to make 5 episodes, they would be the best 5 episodes in the show’s 6 season lifespan.

Like a warm blanket or an overdue reunion with an old friend, the “Sex & The City” movie made me giddy with excitement within the first few moments when I heard the theme song during the opening credits. All 4 actresses slide into their most notable roles with ease and a comfortable precision that translates into superb acting and terrific comedic timing by them all.

This film strikes all the right emotional notes and comedic punches. I found myself laughing out loud and taking mental notes of the many classic one-liners. The most endearing thing about the series and these characters is the strong bond between four friends. This movie is a greeting card to female friendships and independent women everywhere (and of course, their gay pals).

I felt that the “Sex & the City” movie was thoroughly enjoyable and it stayed true to the heart of all these characters that fans have come to love and know like the back of their hand. As the movie ended you started to get the feeling that this won’t be the last time we will see these characters on the big screen. The wit and integrity of the classic HBO show has only been heightened by this hugely successful big screen addition.

**1/2 STARS

“The Strangers” is not for people with weak stomachs and jittery nerves. From the first few beginning frames we get the sense that this film is serious and mean business. The drab art direction and frighteningly quiet moments in this film are what make it so unique. But when it comes down to the nitty gritty gore in “The Strangersâ€? it all seems a bit familiar, like we’ve been there and done that before.

Many critics like this film because of the simple nature and (excuse the pun) execution of the horrific events that play out over one night. Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman play a dysfunctional couple who find out they actually do love each other after being tortured and scared shitless by masked intruders.

All of your classic horror film gimmicks and tricks are stuffed into this one and a half hour nerve racking snuff film; the skipping old timey record player, the masked serial killers, the slow moving victims and all of the “what the hell are you thinking” moments that frustrate horror movie fans.

The shocking and cruel ending in this movie makes it a stand out in the genre. In this age of horror porn slasher flicks with no point, “The Strangers” packs a punch that leaves you feeling satisfied and creeped out. The best kind of horror movies are the ones that you can’t shake after you leave the theater and “The Strangers” does a good job of traumatizing the viewer.

WATCH “THE STRANGERS” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

**1/2 STARS

It has taken over 20 years for the latest “Indiana Jones” to come to theaters, and except for the entire “buzz” that has surrounded it, “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” just feels like another bloated big budget popcorn flick that is crushed under the weight of all of its own bells and whistles. I love the “Jones” franchise and I wanted this film to live up to the hype, but I couldn’t help but feel that this movie won’t elicite the same compulsive multi-viewings as it’s three predecessor’s do.

It is sad to say that the fuzzy memories, the familar characters and even John Williams familiar score can’t save “The Crystal Skull” from an over explained premise, silly plot drivers and an over the top ending. What this film has going for it is it’s sweet sense of humor and Harrison Ford’s charm. Even at his age, Ford is able to keep up with the non-stop action, making it look seamless. Also, Cate Blanchet was inspired casting as the evil Communist set on finding the crystal skull’s secrets.

There were three key scenes in “Indiana Jones 4″ that had me rolling my eyes and feeling as if Spielberg created blasphemy, but I can’t give these spoilers away on this blog. Let’s just say that the addition of Shia Labeouf may have made this movie just a tad too silly for its own good. The action is superb, it’s the quieter moments that had me cringing.

I walked out of this movie happy to see old friends, but also asking myself “was the whole thing even necessary”? Lastly, the movie was way too long and it felt forced at points in the middle, but the whole nostalgia behind the franchise and character make it worth the viewing experience on the big screen. I’m just afraid that out of all 4, this one will not hold up to the test of time.