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Synopsis: The mysterious murder of a US senator bearing the distinctive trademark of the legendary Soviet assassin "Cassius," forces Paul Shepherdson, a retired CIA operative, to team with rookie FBI agent, Ben Geary, to solve the crime. Having spent his career chasing Cassius, Shepherdson is convinced his nemesis is long dead, but is pushed to take on the case by his former supervisor, Tom Highland. Meanwhile, Agent Geary, who wrote his Master's thesis on Shepherdson's pursuit of the Soviet killer, is certain that Cassius has resurfaced. As Shepherdson and Geary work their way through crimes both past and present, they discover that Cassius may not be the person they always thought him to be, forcing both to re-examine everything and everyone around them.

Starring: Richard Gere, Topher Grace, Odette Annable, Stana Katic, Martin Sheen, Chris Marquette, Tamer Hassan
Directed by: Michael Brandt
U.S. Rating: PG-13

It's been a while since I watched a good film with Richard Gere, in fact, it's been a while since I watch A film with Richard Gere. The waiting was worth, since The Double showed why Richard Gere is one of the strong and most prestigious actors in Hollywood.

The Double is one of those weird films that you think you know what to expect, since the trailer shows you basically "everything". Paul Shepherdson (Richard Gere), a retired CIA operative works with a rookie FBI agent (Topher Grace) to solve a crime that has been commited by a legendary Soviet assassin. At least, that's what the CIA and the FBI think, but Paul believes they're incorrect, since he believes "Cassius", the legendary Soviet assassin is dead. The plot shows clearly that Richarg Gere is "Cassius" and he's been playing for both sides, as a "Double". Agent Geary has been studying "Cassius" throughout his all young career. He knows him, he knows everything about him, even though, not enough to notice that the person he's been obsessed, is his very own senior companion in this case. Paul (Cassius) feels some simpathy for Geary and tries to keep him away from the case and Cassius, since he knows that if he finds the real Cassius, he won't have any other option but killing him. While Geary gets closer to Cassius, he tries to end his personal mission, a mission that Geary will find with (ironically) Cassius' help. They will finally bring the whole Soviet assassins operation to the end, but everything will turn in a very unexpected way for Cassius and the audience

I think that more than the plot, the film was good because of the cast performace. Having Martin Sheen and Topher Grace working along with Richard Gere, made the film so worth and enjoyable to watch. It is definitely a must-watch thriller at home, a great film for an entertaining weekend at home.

I would rate this movie with a 3.5/5

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Synopsis: Queens native Josh Kovacs has managed one of the most luxurious and well-secured residences in New York City for more than a decade. Under his watchful eye, nothing goes undetected. In the swankiest unit atop Josh's building, Wall Street titan Arthur Shaw is under house arrest after being caught stealing two billion from his investors. The hardest hit among those he defrauded? The tower staffers whose pensions he was entrusted to manage.

With only days before Arthur gets away with the perfect crime, Josh's crew turns to petty crook Slide to plan the nearly impossible…to steal what they are sure is hidden in Arthur's guarded condo. Though amateurs, these rookie thieves know the building better than anyone. Turns out they've been casing the place for years, they just didn't know it.

Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Téa Leoni, Michael Pena,
Directed by: Brett Ratner
U.S. Rating: PG-13

Tower Heist it's like a light, but extremely smart and funny version of Ocean's Eleven. With such a very unorthodox cast, a clever fresh plot and amazing acting performances, the film was ne of the best comedies in 2011.

I think there were at least, a couple of great comebacks on this film. The first and most important one: Eddie Murphy. His comeback couldn't be better, playing the hilarious role of a professional street hustler responsible of teaching the bad habits and techniques to the rest of the amateur team, with such a great and smart sense of humor in this adult comedy. Matthew Broderick had the other great comeback, playing a role of a very insecure man... a looser, but an extremely smart man in finances.

Ben Stiler played also a great and enjoyable role, this time as a smart and professional manager of "The Tower" the most prestigious, luxurious and well-secured residential buildings in New York City. It was good to see Ben Stiller playing a different role this time, as a self-confident professional man, and not the usual insecure and awkward man we've seen in other previous and recent roles.

Tower Heist is the bright and funny side of a smart heist performed by a bunch of amateurs who've never robbed anything in the past, just with the vision and goal of recovering their own money earned with years of honest hard work.

So, what's Tower Heist about? Ben Stiller is Josh Kovacs, the building manager of The Tower, a high-rise luxury apartment complex on Central Park West in New York City whose employees include concierge Charlie, his brother in law; Enrique, an elevator operator; Lester, the doorman nearing retirement; Odessa, a Jamaican maid; and Miss Iovenko, who furtively studies for her bar exam at work.

One morning Josh sees what appears to be a kidnapping of an important tenant, the wealthy businessman Arthur Shaw. When Josh tries to chase the van with the kidnapped tenant and almost catches the van, he is stopped by FBI agent Claire Denham. Denham explains him that Shaw wasn't being kidnapped, he was attempting to flee arrest, accused of running a Ponzi scheme.

Josh is in shock and has to face an important moment, telling the Tower staff about Shaw's arrest and explain them that he gave Shaw their pension fund to invest, and their money is gone. The staff feels the presure of loosing all their money and years o hard work, and even Lester attempted suicide after losing everything he had.

Josh meets FBI Detective Denham and she says Shaw must have had a cash safety net and suggests in jest that he find and steal it. Josh gathers Charlie, Enrique, and former Tower tenant Mr. Fitzhugh to draw up a plan to steal Shaw's money.

Charlie brings up the obvious drawback that they are not thieves, but that doesn't stop Josh. He decides to enlists his neighbor, a petty criminal named Slide. Slide trains the team and tries to get everything in order for the heist, trying to open the safe and steal the 20 million dollars from it.

During the Thanksgiving Parade, the team reaches Shaw's apartment, breaks down a false wall and finds Shaw's safe behind it; Odessa opens the safe but finds it empty. Now, they will have to find where the money is saved and make the important changes on their original plan on the move, to get their money and savings back.

It is actually a fresh and smart comedy with a great plot and a great chemistry among all the performers. The end just made me laugh really hard, since it was totally unexpected, and the way they had to split their part was... unique!

Totally recommended!

I would rate this movie with a 4/5

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Synopsis: Noah is a suspended college student, living at home with his single mom. When he is talked into babysitting the three, young, misfit kids next door, he decides to take them along on an attempted sexual rendezvous, and the night takes a wild and dangerous turn for the worse for which he is totally unprepared.

Starring: Jonah Hill, Max Records, Ari Graynor, J.B. Smoove, Sam Rockwell
Directed by: David Gordon Green
U.S. Rating: R

I must recognize that The Sitter has been one of the most expected comedy films on my personal list since the fist time I watched the first official trailer almost 5 months ago.All the random and crazy scenes on every single trailer released, sold the film.

Sadly, I must recognize that if we'd compile all the green and red band trailers released in one big clip, we'd get the best of the film and save the money and time of going to the theater to watch the film. I mean, I enjoyed the film, but if I had to recommend it to someone over any other film on theaters, I would place it as a plan B.

The plot was vague and boring at some moments, but at least, they tried to keep it funny adding some random crazy scenes and situations that at least, pulled some good laughs out. I must recognize that I totally enjoyed "Rodrigo's" role. I believe he's my alter ego. I saw myself represented on his role, especially during my youth :) There were some really funny lines and situations, gathered a pretty decent cast that made the big part on keeping the lousy plot alive.

If you'd want to know a little bit more about the plot, The Sitter is about Noah, a college student who has been suspended and now lives with his mom. After having a disagreement with his mother, he's lured into taking a babysitting job caring for the kids of Mrs. Pedulla: the stern and studious Slater, no-nonsense wild child Blithe and the pyromaniac exchange student Rodrigo.

Soon Noah is invited to a party to have sex with his supposed girlfriend who uses him only to get oral sex, she agrees to have sex with him if he brings her drugs to the party. Noah tempted by the offer steals Mrs. Pedulla's car and takes the kids to the city, where he meets Karl in his body building shop. Karl likes to hide his cocaine in expensive baby dinosaur eggs and loves to make new friends. After getting drugs, he realizes that Rodrigo has stolen a egg from Karl, after a struggle the egg burst open wasting all the drugs.

After Karl finds out the drugs are missing and calls Noah finding his number on facebook he tells Noah that he has to come up with $10,000 or he will kill him. Noah in a frantic decides to take the kids back to their parents but thinks against it feeling he has to fix his own problems, he then takes the kids to a bar mitzvah that Slater was invited to,there Slater sees his friend who lied to him earlier saying that he couldn't hang out with him cause he had a spider bite, Slater's friend admits he lied because he was sick of hanging out with him at his house and not going anywhere. Noah finds out the valet service have lost his van which was actually stolen. Noah leaves going to his father house to see if he will give him the money.

When his dad berates him and refuses to give him money, Noah steals his fathers car and breaks into his father's jewelry store taking diamonds.Rodrigo fascinated with bombs puts a cherry bomb in the bathroom blowing up the store, Noah frustrated with Rodrigo's antics yells at him and forces him to admit why he is so bad, Rodrigo frustrated throws all of Slater's medicine out the window believing that noone likes him in the family. Slater has a panic attack in which Noah calms him down and acknowledges that he knows about Slater's homosexuality. Noah notices his stolen van and follows the thiefs to a club where he run across Jacolby and his girlfriend who hates him because years ago Noah threw up in her grandmother's urn. Noah allows her to hit him as a apology and which she does then makes amends. Noah runs into Suzy a girl he knew before he dropped out of college and realizes she likes him, still on the run from Karl, Noah goes to the party to save Marissa who is drunk and belligerent.

When Karl shows up Noah, Marissa and the kids make a run from him crashing into a park. With Noah about to die, all of a sudden Jacolby and his crew come and save him beating Karl up while Noah runs and can take the kids back home. Marissa realizes that she was a terrible girlfriend and that she got Noah in all this mess, Noah agrees letting her know that he is done risking everything for her when she dosent really like him. Finally Noah gets the kids home before there parents come back, cleaning up their mess.The kids all get extremely close to Noah and start to listen to him. Noah finally leaves after threatening Mr. Pedulla acknowledging that he knows he is sleeping with his secretary. Suzy meets him at the house , and they leave together walking home hand in hand.

Source: Wikipedia

As mentioned before, it was a decent silly adult comedy, but if I had to recommend it over another great movie on theaters, I'd leave The Sitter as a second option, or even better, to a great movie night at home when the film comes to DVD.

I would rate this movie with a 2/5

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Synopsis: Mikael Blomkvist is a financial reporter determined to restore his honor after being convicted of libel. Engaged by one of Sweden's wealthiest industrialists, Henrik Vanger, to get to the bottom of the long-ago disappearance of his beloved niece, Harriet -- murdered, Vanger believes, by a member of his large family -- the journalist heads to a remote island on the frozen Swedish coast, unaware of what awaits him. At the same time, Lisbeth Salander, an unusual but ingenious investigator with Milton Security, is hired to do a background check on Blomkvist, a job that ultimately leads to her joining Mikael in his investigation of who killed Harriet Vanger. Though Lisbeth shields herself from a world that has repeatedly betrayed her, her hacking skills and single-minded focus become invaluable. While Mikael goes face-to-face with the tight-lipped Vangers, Lisbeth plies the wired shadows. They begin to trace a chain of homicides from the past into the present, forging a fragile strand of trust even as they are pulled into the most savage currents of modern crime.

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Elodie Yung
Directed by: David Fincher
U.S. Rating: R

There's no doubt that David Fincher is one of my TOP favorite directors in Hollywood. Some of my all-time favorite films (Seven, Fight Club, Panic Room, The Social Network) has been directed by this talented director, whom shows he likes to get deep into those books and scripts he decides to bring to the big screen, get the bare essencial content from them, cut, adapt and edit them until he gets such amazing films from this hard work. Most of his films turned into classics and, I'm sure that his most recent one, his personal remake from Swedish international success "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" will also be added to this classics list in the future.

There are two different perspectives to review this film. We can review it from the perspective of those ones who have watched Flincher's remake "after" watching the original Swedish version or, we can also review it from the perspective of those ones who have watched Flincher's remake "before" watching the original Swedish version. I include myself in this second group: Those ones who have watched it before watching the original Swedish one, and that's the perspective I'll take.

Before I start writing my personal point of view and impressions of this film, I must say that I really wanted to go through other reviews from some of the most important Movie Blogs on the net. There were some who shared my personal point of view and thoughts about it, while there were some others critizing Fincher's work and the lead cast's performance. From my personal point of view, I should start saying that I prefer Flincher's film over Oplev's. Note that I'm not saying that Oplev's original version was bad... far from it! It was an amazing and remarkable film! But we can clearly notice the huge directorial differences and styles. In this order of ideas, I must say I definitely liked Flincher's work and film style.

I was wowed with Flincher's version for "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". The cast gathered for this film was fantastic. There wasn't a better actor to perform the lead role (Mikael Blomkvist) than Daniel Craig. He delivered such a unique performance, even though, it couldn't be considered better than actor Michael Nyqvist's performace in the Swedish version, since Nyqvist was incredibly good too. Now, I have found some controversies on some reviews about Noomi Rapace and Rooney Mara's performances as Lisbeth Salander, a disturbing gothic, anti-social punk investigator/hacker type who lives paycheck to paycheck at the mercy of her weirdo state guardian. Some important reviewers and blogs believe that Rapace's performance was much better than Mara's. I DO not believe that, no matter how incredibly good was Noomi Rapace's performance, Rooney Mara's performace blew me away. Her physical gothic/punk anti-social appearance and look was so, but so much believable than Rapace. Both acting performaces were superb, but Rooney Mara did top her performance on those specific moments when she had to show her punk & anti-social behavior and fictional personality.

While Oplev's original Swedish version was extremely detailed and led by the book, Flincher gave the film a more "theatrical" appeal, printing his personal style and experienced touch. We can easily notice some differences, even though, Flincher kept intact the story and focused just on some important and crucial details, as well as timing perfectly well some relevant events, even when he omitts some not so important events and situations shown on the Swedish version that could be taken as relevant. Flincher's version is 10 minutes longer than the original film, taking it to 2 hours and 40 minutes.

In case you haven't read the book or watched the Swedish film, here's the (short) plot of the film:

Mikael Blomkvist, the co-owner and writer of Millennium magazine, has just lost a libel case against crooked businessman Hans-Erik Wennerström, for which he must pay 600,000 Swedish kronor (approximately 87,000 USD) in damages. Meanwhile, Lisbeth Salander, a researcher for Milton Security and a computer hacker, has compiled a very extensive background check on Blomkvist for Henrik Vanger, retired CEO of Vanger Industries, for a job that Henrik wants him to perform. Despite the recent scandal, Salander passes Blomkvist as "clean."

Blomkvist receives a phone call from Henrik's lawyer, Dirch Frode, who offers him two jobs: to write a Vanger family history, and, using the information provided by Henrik for the memoir, to solve the murder of his niece Harriet Vanger, who disappeared almost 40 years previously; Henrik is convinced that someone in the family killed her.

Blomkvist gets to work right away, staying in a cottage that Henrik provides. He immediately starts investigating the case, collecting some more relevant information about the misterious disappearance of Harriet. He will meet with some members of the Vanger family. Blomkvist finds Harriet's notebook, containing the names of five women with a 5-digit number next to each of their names, secret codes related with some biblical passages showing the killing method used to murder a number of young women over 35 years ago.

Blomkvist begins looking for a researcher to help him find out more about the Bible verses. Frode recommends Salander, whom Blomkvist learns did the background check on him. Upon seeing the incredibly detailed report, he discovers Salander hacked into his computer. He then visits her apartment, making her an offer to help him find Harriet's murderer, to which she agrees.

Soon they will start working together tying all those loosed knots regarding Harriet's disappearance, until they will discover something extremely sordid that might be directly related with Harriet's event.

Definitely, one of the best (if not the best!) thriller films of 2011. The direction was brilliant, the acting performance by ALL cast involved in this film was simply superb. TOTALLY recommended.

I would rate this movie with a huge massive 5/5

In case you haven't watched the original Swedish version, here's the official trailer:

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Synopsis: Four socially troubled 18-year-olds from the south of England go on holiday to Malia. The boys, Will, Simon, Jay and Neil have finished their exams and left school. Their accommodation is awful but meeting four girls in an empty bar during their first night out makes up for it. The film ends with all the boys having girlfriends, a great time and then flying back home to begin the next chapter of their lives.

Starring: Blake Harrison, Simon Bird, James Buckley, Joe Thomas, Laura Haddock, Emily Head, Tamla Kari, Jessica Knappet, Lydia Rose Bewley
Directed by: Damon Beesley, Iain Morris
U.S. Rating: R

Considered the British "American Pie", The Inbetweeners was one of the most expected British comedy films of this Summer 2011. Based on the British TV series The Inbetweeners, directors Damon Beesley and Iain Morris bring the gang to the big screen, this time, to enjoy the Summer holidays in a trip to remember... A crazy week at the hot and gorgeous beaches, crazy party nights and friendly people in Malia, Crete.

On this film, Will, Simon, Jay and Neil have finished their A-levels. Facing crazy individual situations, the boys decide to go on holiday together on a trip to Malia, Crete.

On their first night, the boys meet four girls - Alison, Lucy, Lisa and Jane - in an empty bar during their first night out. Their initial meeting goes horrible, even though, they all discuss the event of the Summer: Going to a boat party later in the week, which is already sold out.

Eventually, after some crazy week, bizarre and funny situations, the boys are able to obtain tickets for the boat party. Simon almost drown jumping off the boat trying to get to the shore and meet Lucy, which has been treated like crap by him and he realizes how nice and important is in his life. After the boat party is over, the other boys and girls visit Simon in hospital, and once he recovers they all spend the rest of their holiday together as couples. Eventually, the four boys head home to the UK, looking forward to the next stage of their lives. As they meet their families at the airport, their girlfriends exit the same terminal and introduce themselves to the boys' parents as the film ends.

With some strong British humor, this comedy could be easily considered for a good lazy relazing afternoon at home.

I would rate this movie with a 2.5/5

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Synopsis: Inspired by actual events, Kathy is an American police officer who takes a job working as a peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia. Her expectations of helping to rebuild a devastated country are dashed when she uncovers a dangerous reality of corruption, cover-up and intrigue amid a world of private contractors and multinational diplomatic doubletalk.

Starring: Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave, David Strathairn, Monica Bellucci, Nikolaj Lie Kaas
Directed by: Larissa Kondracki
U.S. Rating: R

British actress Rachel Weisz plays yet another amazing role on this thriller based on a true story. Supported by such an amazing cast, the interesting thing is that the film was all about Rachel's role and great performance.

The Whistleblower brings the true story of U.S. policewoman Kathryn Bolkovac, who receives a promising job offer that will pay her a large amount of money in just a short period of time. She becomes a U.N. peacekeeper and moves to Bosnia with the intent to protect the innocent civilians of Sarajevo. While she starts working on some cases, she soon stumbles across a human trafficking ring involving young women and teenagers and realizes that not only are the local police involved but so are many of her colleagues at the United Nations, who all have diplomatic immunity, making this serious and difficult situation, extremely difficult and dangerous to take all this corrupted political system down and bring the responsibles to justice.

The film had all the key elements to be one of the greatest thrillers of the year: A terific cast, a pretty strong and interesting story, but director Larysa Kondracki failed trying to deliver and show the drama and thriller needed to make it a memorable film. The film leaves so many things out of scene that could have helped the viewers to understand more about the events and ending.

I'll personally give it a high rate for Rachel's amazing performance and the interesting story.

I would rate this movie with a 4/5

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Synopsis: In a private, wealthy community, priority is placed on security and no exception is made for the Miller family's estate. Behind their pristine walls and manicured gardens, Kyle, a fast-talking businessman, has entrusted the mansion's renovation to his stunning wife, Sarah. But between making those big decisions and keeping tabs on their defiant teenage daughter, Sarah often finds herself distracted by a young, handsome worker at their home. Nothing is what it seems, and it will take a group of cold-blooded criminals led by Elias, who have been planning a vicious home invasion for months, to bring the Miller family together. When they storm the manor, everyone is tangled up in betrayal, deception, temptation and scheming. Kyle, Sarah and Avery will take the ultimate risk to make it out with their lives -- and their family -- intact.

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman, Ben Mendelsohn, Cam Gigandet, Liana Liberato
Directed by: Joel Schumacher
U.S. Rating: R

One of my top favorite movies is Hostage, with Bruce Willis. I really enjoy that film because it brought a great cast and direction, a pretty strong plot and such an explosive acting performance.

Even though it is not the case with Trespass, I must say the plots are kind of related. In Trespass, a wealthy family is being kept as hostage by a band of low-level criminals who wants to get some diamonds and money kept in the home safe. Kyle, the owner of the house and father of the family is a successful businessman who deals with diamonds. He's been watched by these criminals while they keep a record of all of his moves and business deals. The things go wrong for the band of criminals when Kyle manipulates them and create a series of events that will keep these criminals away from their objective. At the end, Kyle, his wife Sarah and his daughter have to take action and fight for their lives in this terrifying situation.

I wouldn't say Trespass is a Hostage "wanna-be". I must say that both films are performed by an excellent cast. In this particular case, Trespass brings Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman, Cam Gigandet and Ben Mendelsohn. The script is pretty intense, with some really smart and funny lines and dialogues, keeping the curiosity about what we think really happens. It is the kind of film that opens different situations and let your mind run as fast as it can, projecting all the possible events that will make you think you're right, when you're wrong. I would say the end is the only "expected" event on this film.

I really enjoyed it, it was good enough to keep my attention, keep my mind busy and entertained, even though, there were moments when I got a bit lost, with some gaps related with the band of criminals, their past, their relationship and plans.

No matter how low rating this film could have received in all previous reviews I read, I must say I totally enjoyed and would certainly recommend it.

I would rate this movie with a 3.5/5

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Synopsis: When Steve Coogan is asked by The Observer to tour the country's finest restaurants, he envisions it as the perfect getaway with his beautiful girlfriend. But, when she backs out on him, he has no one to accompany him but his best friend and source of eternal aggravation, Rob Brydon. As the brilliant comic duo, freestyling with flair, drive each other mad with constant competition and showdowns of competing impressions (including dueling Michael Caines, Sean Connerys and Al Pacinos), the ultimate odd couple realize in the end a rich amount about not only good food, but the nature of fame, relationships and their own lives.

Starring: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Claire Keelan, Margo Stilley, Paul Popplewell
Directed by: Michael Winterbottom
U.S. Rating: Not Rated

The Trip is one of those films that you never know what to expect from it. It was actually what happened from my personal perspective. I really enjoyed the trailer and synopsis from the very first time I watched it, but I was expecting something different, even though, the film was really entertaining.

The Trip is performed by two of the best British actors and comedians, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. It is a film with some good British humor, filmed in some really beautiful scenery based on the northern area from England. It is a fun journey enjoying the crazy conversations, impersonations and adventures of these two friends, going on a trip, visiting and eating in ten different restaurants across the country.

The film can be a bit slow and boring some times, loaded with some smart and mature humor, something that I really enjoyed. These two guys know how to play their roles like they're really living those lives and help us to enjoy more than those moments and short conversations, but get into the real trip, enjoying all the photography, the gorgeous scenery and all the places they visit.

It is actually a good and entertaining film for a lazy and quiet evening at home. A low pace British humor film that will not just entertain you, but will let you love all those "extra" things that will actually make you enjoy the film the way we did.

I would rate this movie with a 2/5

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Synopsis: The time is 1973. The Cold War of the mid-20th Century continues to damage international relations. Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), a.k.a. MI6 and code-named the Circus, is striving to keep pace with other countries' espionage efforts and to keep the U.K. secure. The head of the Circus, known as Control, personally sends dedicated operative Jim Prideaux into Hungary. But Jim's mission goes bloodily awry, and Control is forced out of the Circus - as is his top lieutenant, George Smiley, a career spy with razor-sharp senses.

Estranged from his absent wife Ann, Smiley is soon called in to see undersecretary Oliver Lacon; he is to be rehired in secret at the government's behest, as there is a gnawing fear that the Circus has long been compromised by a double agent, or mole, working for the Soviets and jeopardizing England. Supported by younger agent Peter Guillam, Smiley parses Circus activities past and present. In trying to track and identify the mole, Smiley is haunted by his decades-earlier interaction with the shadowy Russian spy master Karla.

The mole's trail remains cold until maverick field agent Ricki Tarr unexpectedly contacts Lacon. While undercover in Turkey, Ricki has fallen for a betrayed married woman, Irina, who claims to possess crucial intelligence. Separately, Smiley learns that Control narrowed down the list of mole suspects to five men. They are the ambitious Percy Alleline, whom he had code-named Tinker; suavely confident Bill Haydon, dubbed Tailor; stalwart Roy Bland, called Soldier; officious Toby Esterhase, dubbed Poor Man; and - Smiley himself.

Even before the startling truth is revealed, the emotional and physical tolls on the players enmeshed in the deadly international spy game will escalate...

Starring: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones
Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
U.S. Rating: R

Yes, we should start mentioning that Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy could be considered a spy film master piece. The film is based on the 1974 novel Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré. It is not a surprise the film could get such a great critic and reviews. In 1979, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy was adapted to television as a seven-part series for the BBC, being one of the best TV series of its kind and time.

The film clearly showed that you actually can produce a film to the masses that is just not an and intelligent and very thought provoking film, but a film that basically didn't need explosions, gun fights, to keep you entertained and absorbed. Played by such an amazing cast, the film is well directed, and perfectly adapted to its time.

If you want to know more about the plot:

British intelligence officer George Smiley comes out of retirement to uncover a Russian double agent. Agent Ricki Tarr had been sent to Istanbul to investigate a Soviet agent, Boris. He is about to return to London, when he sees Boris beating up his wife, Irina, and he starts an affair with her. Irina is also a Soviet agent and tells him of the existence of a mole (a penetration agent) run by Soviet spymaster Karla, within the "Circus", the headquarters of British intelligence. Tarr takes his suspicions to Oliver Lacon, the senior civil servant in charge of intelligence.

Smiley's former boss, Control, had suspected the existence of the mole and sends agent Jim Prideaux to Budapest, Hungary to meet a Hungarian general who wishes to provide information. The operation is blown and Prideaux is shot in the back and captured by Soviet intelligence. As a result Control and Smiley retire from the Circus and Percy Alleline becomes Chief, with Bill Haydon as his deputy. Their ability to deliver apparently high grade Soviet intelligence material, code named "Witchcraft", establishes their status.

Smiley's investigations, authorised by Lacon and aided by Peter Guillam and retired researcher Connie Sachs, follow Control's chain of thought, investigating suspects code named "Tinker" (Alleline), "Tailor" (Haydon), "Soldier" (Roy Bland) and "Poorman" (Toby Esterhase). Prideaux, who has been repatriated, is interviewed at the prep school where he has taken a position as a teacher. With the aid of Tarr, Smiley lays a trap and captures the mole, who is revealed to be Haydon, at a safe-house, along with Polyakov, a Soviet intelligence officer, to whom the mole had been passing secrets, under the guise of receiving Witchcraft material. Jim Prideaux tracks his former friend Haydon down to the "Nursery" at Sarratt, the agent training and interrogation centre for the Circus, and shoots him dead. Smiley is elevated to take control of the Circus.

Totally recommended!

I would rate this movie with a 4/5

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Synopsis: Doug MacRay is an unrepentant criminal, the de facto leader of a group of ruthless bank robbers who pride themselves in stealing what they want and getting out clean. With no real attachments, Doug never has to fear losing anyone close to him. But that all changed on the gang's latest job, when they briefly took a hostage--bank manager, Claire Keesey. Though they let her go unharmed, Claire is nervously aware that the robbers know her name and where she lives. But she lets her guard down when she meets an unassuming and rather charming man named Doug not realizing that he is the same man who only days earlier had terrorized her. The instant attraction between them gradually turns into a passionate romance that threatens to take them both down a dangerous, and potentially deadly, path.

Starring: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Titus Welliver, Pete Postlethwaite, Chris Cooper
Directed by: Ben Affleck
U.S. Rating: R

The Town, the second film directed by Ben Affleck, brings an intense and very interesting plot to its viewers. Ben Affleck didn't just do a pretty good job directing the film, but an amazing job as the lead role. With a strong plot and a first class cast, the film deserved all the good critics and comments received from its opening night.

Ben Affleck looked really mature and confident on his double role (director and actor), being considered one of his best performance to date.

The film is about Doug MacRay (Affleck), Jem Coughlin (Renner), Gloansy Magloan (Slaine), and Dez Elden (Burke), from the dangerous streets of Charlestown, a neighborhood in Boston Massachusetts. When this group robs a local bank, they decided to take Claire Keesey (Hall), the branch manager as a hostage, and released her few minutes later in a local beach. Doug and his team kept her drivers license and threatened her to not talk to the FBI. Doug decides to keep an eye on Claire but suddenly, he falls for her and they begin a new relationship that obviously will put all their entire criminal operation in jeopardy.

The FBI gets closer to Doug and his team and finds out that Doug and his crew work for Fergie Colm (Postlethwaite), a dangerous criminal that works as a local florist. When Doug tries to walk out of a last job offer from Fergie, he's threatened by Fergie, putting in danger Claire's life. Doug also finds that his mom didn't leave him when he was a kid, as he was always told by his dad, but commited suicide after Fergie supplied her with drugs. The plan was simple, break into the Femway Stadium the morning after one of the important night games and steal over 3.5 millions of sales.

Doug and the team is sold to the FBI by Krista Coughlin (Lively), a junkie that is in loved with Doug. Dressed like cops, Doug and Jem steal the money and they're ready to escape from the stadium dressed as paramedics. They notice that the stadium is already surrounded by the FBI, police and Swat. Gloansy and Dez are killed, Doug and Jem dress back as police officers and evade the FBI. Detective Adam Frawley (Hamm) recognizes Jem and tries to stop him. Jez resists the situation and he's killed, while Doug escapes in a police car.

Doug knowing the risk of this failed operation, stops at the florist and kills Fergie and his assistant, keep Claire safe and get revenge of his mother's death.

Doug plans to leave Boston forever and move south, to Florida. He calls Claire one last time and evades one last time the FBI, who was working with Claire to get capture him.

I did really enjoy the film. It had an amazing directing job and a superb cast performance, especially Ben's perfomance. I personally believe that Ben Affleck is so, but so much better actor when he's behind the cameras as a director. I highly recommend the film.

I would rate this movie with a 4/5

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Synopsis: Arthur Bishop is a 'mechanic' - an elite assassin with a strict code and unique talent for cleanly eliminating targets. It's a job that requires professional perfection and total detachment, and Bishop is the best in the business. But when his mentor and close friend Harry is murdered, Bishop is anything but detached. His next assignment is self-imposed - he wants those responsible dead. His mission grows complicated when Harry's son Steve approaches him with the same vengeful goal and a determination to learn Bishop's trade. Bishop has always acted alone but he can't turn his back on Harry's son. A methodical hit man takes an impulsive student deep into his world and a deadly partnership is born. But while in pursuit of their ultimate mark, deceptions threaten to surface and those hired to fix problems become problems themselves.

Starring: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland, Tony Goldwyn, Mini Anden
Directed by: Simon West
U.S. Rating: R

I must start this personal review with a weird situation faced last Friday night when I went to watch the film at our local theatre. I got there and asked the guy for a ticket. He told me... "Sorry! The Mechanic is sold out!"... I got really pissed, since I was planning for the last two weeks to go and watch it. Anyway, as soon as the guy told me that, he inmediately said... "Do you want a ticket for The King's Speech instead?"... I tried  for a few seconds to digest his offer and finally had to respond... "What the heck has The King's Speech to do with The Mechanic?! Is it an action film by any chance?!"... Obviously the guy answered me "No", so I finally told him... "there's your answer :)".

Anyway, I had the chance to go and watch it on Saturday evening. I was looking for watching it for a while, so I had some really good expectations. The film was pretty good. Obviously, it was a remake of a really tough classic with Charles Bronson, the only problem? Jason Statham didn''t deliver what we were expecting. He did I really good job though, but we missed something...

As said before, The Mechanic is a remake of one of Charles Bronson's classic from 1972. The film starts with Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) killing one of his targets, a very wealthy and powerful Colombian drug dealer. Not even his amazing and large personal army can stop Arthur to accomplish his objective, why? Because he's a hit man who performs his jobs cleanly, without leaving a trace of his work. As he says it later "The best jobs are the ones where they never knew you were there". He's a professional focused in every single detail related with his targets, he studies them, he learns from them, he knows every single detail and secrets about them and their lives.

Arthur works exclusively for an international secret organization, which has very strict rules: even those members who are becoming slightly unreliable are assassinated, long before they jeopardize their organization. Henry McKenna (Donald Sutherland),  is another hit man working for the same organization. He is not just like Arthur's father and close friend, but his mentor. He's taught him everything he knows and he's the person who sets the jobs for him.

When Arthur gets his next assignment, he finds out that his target is Henry. He refuses to take action against Henry without knowing the reasons of this decision, so he meets with the head of this secret organization. He's told that Henry has become a threat for the organization, since he leaked some information in a recent job done in Cape Town, South Africa. Because of this leaked information, all the team assigned for this job was assassinated.

Arthur, being the best in the business, doesn't hesitate and kills his mentor, Henry. Right after Henry is buried, Arthur meets Steve McKenna (Ben Foster), Henry's son. Steve is a mess, he can't coup with the death of his father and he's planning to take revenge on this situation killing random people. Arthur stops him and, even though he feels reluctant during the first couple of days, he decides to become his mentor.

Arthur gives Steve his first assignment while he's being trained, to kill another hit man working for a competitor. Even when Arthur taught him how to do the job clean, Steve decides to do it "his way"... a very messy and rude way. When Arthur gets his next assignment, he decides to share it with Steve and work together, but a very small detail destroys their "clean" job and it turns into a violent operation.

While they escape, Arthur finds out on his way home that he was framed and "The Company" he works for made him kill his best friend for the wrong reasons. He takes it personally and decides to go against "The Company", killing every single one of them.

While preparing for this last job and revenge, Steve finds something that shows him Arthur was his father's assassin. He works with Arthur and helps him to complete this last job and revenge against the people who planned his dad's assassination and then tries to take revenge against his mentor and father's assassin, Arthur.

Personally, I really enjoyed the film. It had a really good action-packed plot and direction. They tried to keep that interaction between the modern days and the 70's, including of the old filming action-style, something I really liked and enjoyed. As said before, the downside of this film was the lead role. Jason Statham is extremely good looking like the man for the job, but there was something missing that I can't really identify yet. Ben Foster played a really good supporting role as Steve. I really enjoyed his work on this film.

I haven't watched the original film from 1972, but now that I watched and enjoyed this one, I will definitely look for watching Charles Bronson's original version. You can find more about it here.

I would rate this movie with a high 3/5

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Synopsis: Woody and Buzz had accepted that their owner Andy would grow up someday, but what happens when that day arrives? In the third installment, Andy is preparing to depart for college, leaving his loyal toys troubled about their uncertain future.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles
Directed by: Lee Unkrich
U.S. Rating: G

Woody and Buzz Lightyear are back in what I personally believe, the BEST animated film I've ever watched so far. I've been a huge fan of Toy Story, like most of every single person that has seen the films. We could consider that Toy Story was Pixar's master piece, their Mona Lisa. Obviously, Pixar was working directly with Disney for this project, but this project gave them the unique reputation and success this small team needed to make it big, just like they've been doing with all their animated films.

Andy has become a young man and he's ready to enjoy his new adventure moving to college. While he's packing, he's facing a dilemma with his toys. He has not played with them in years and they feel forgotten and abandoned. When his mom asks him if he wants to donate his toys, Andy decides to take Woody with him to college and intends to store the other toys in the attic. By accident, Andy's mom throws the other toys away, making them think they are no longer wanted; they escape and decide to climb in a box to be donated to the Sunnyside Daycare. Woody tries by any possible way to save his friends before they get into the box, but then he'll be forced to travel with them to their new destination, Sunnyside, while he tries to convince them and explain them that they've been put in this situation by mistake. Andy didn't want to donate them, but they were put away by accident.

Andy's toys are welcomed by the numerous toys at Sunnyside, and given a tour of the seemingly perfect play-setting by Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear (a.k.a. Lotso), Big Baby and Ken, who Barbie falls for. All of the toys are quickly enamored with their new home, leaving steadfast Woody alone to attempt to return to Andy.  He finds a way to escape from Sunnyside, but in his attempt, Woody is picked up outside the school by the imaginative toddler Bonnie. She takes him home and plays with him along with her other toys, who are well treated, happy, and readily welcome Woody. Woody is elated until he hears about Lotso from Chuckles the sad clown. Lotso, along with Big Baby and Chuckles, were once accidentally lost by their original owner, Daisy. The three found their way back to Daisy's home, but Lotso saw that he had been replaced. Though Chuckles realized the truth, Lotso, embittered, convinced Big Baby that they were abandoned, and used Big Baby's size to take mafia-like control over the toys at Sunnyside.  To be honest, this Big Baby is FREAKY!!!

Worried for his friends, Woody hurries back to the daycare and finds that they have been put on task to be played with the rambunctious youngest toddlers. They are also kept under guard at night by Buzz whom Lotso has reverted to demonstration mode restoring his original "Space Ranger" persona and allying with him.

Woody rejoins his friends and they work out an escape plan involving the garbage dumpster. In the process, Buzz is accidentally reset into a Spanish-speaking mode during an attempt to restore him to normal.  I personally believe this is one of the most hilarious moments on this film! The toys reach the dumpster, but are headed off by Lotso and his gang. As a garbage truck approaches, Woody explains to Big Baby that Lotso has lied to him and that his owner still loved him, whereupon Big Baby lifts and throws him into the dumpster. Unfortunately, Lotso manages to pull Woody in with him just as the garbage truck makes it. Woody's friends board the truck to rescue him, during which Buzz is hit by a falling television while saving Jessie, finally returning to his old self. The toys find themselves at the local landfill in Tri-County and are soon pulled onto a conveyor belt leading to an burn pit. They help Lotso to reach an emergency-stop button, only to have Lotso betray them and leave them to be burned. Believing they are at their last moments, they hold hands, but are rescued in time by the squeeze toy aliens using a giant claw. Realizing that being burned in an incinerator is much worse than Andy's attic, they take back everything they said bad about Andy. The toys initially vow revenge on Lotso but Woody successfully convinces them that Lotso is not worth it. They return to Andy's home, while Lotso is found by a garbage truck driver and is tied to the front grille of the truck as a decoration.

At Andy's house, Woody climbs back into the box with Andy's college supplies while the other toys resign themselves to the attic. Woody has a last minute inspiration, and leaves a note to Andy on the toys' box. Andy, mistaking it for a note from his mom, takes the box to Bonnie's home, introduces his old toys to Bonnie and gives her the toys to play with. In the end, Bonnie recognizes Woody, laying at the bottom of the box, to Andy's surprise. Andy is initially reluctant to give him to her, but eventually does so and then spends some time playing with her before he departs. Woody and the other toys find themselves wanted and played with again, and learn through notes passed in Bonnie's backpack that Barbie, Ken and Big Baby have improved the life of all the toys at Sunnyside.

One of my most recent surprises about this film is its Oscars Awards Nomination for Best Film. It was simply amazing to see that nomination. I'm totally convinced it will win the nomination for Best Animated Film, but the strong script, the fresh story and terrific characters are so perfectly assembled and  brilliantly written that I could easily say that some important directors, producers and film creators should learn so many, many things from this master piece.

It was not just a huge pleasure to watch in theaters, but it is definitely a MUST to have in Blu Ray or DVD as part of your personal collection.

I would rate this movie with a HUGE 5/5

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Synopsis: Since college, confirmed bachelor Ronny and happily married Nick have been through thick and thin. Now partners in an auto design firm, the two pals are vying to land a dream project that would launch their company. With Ronny's girlfriend, Beth, and Nick's wife, Geneva, by their sides, they're unbeatable. But Ronny's world is turned upside down when he inadvertently sees Geneva out with another man and makes it his mission to get answers. As the amateur investigation dissolves his world into comic mayhem, he learns that Nick has a few secrets of his own. Now, with the clock ticking and pressure mounting on the biggest presentation of their careers, Ronny must decide what will happen if he reveals the truth to his best friend.

Starring: Rebecca Spence, Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder
Directed by: Ron Howard
U.S. Rating: PG-13

The Dilemma was one of the first comedy films I planned to watch this year 2011. I was basically expecting the film since I watched the first trailer few months ago. The content showed on these trailers sold it completely. Even more, knowing that it was directed by Ron Howard.

The film is about the story of Ronny (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Kevin James), two best friends from college. They run a very sucessful business building green energy & electrical engines for cars. Their objective is to get a good deal with Chrysler and build electric engines for their sport cars. Ronny has evaded to "pop the question" to her girlfriend Beth (Jennifer Connelly), even though, she's been patiently waiting for that moment. Nick is married with Geneva (Winona Ryder).

Since Ronny is being pushed by Geneva and Nick to propose Beth, he finally decides to prepare the "perfect environment, place and moment" to ask her to marry him. He has decided to do it at the botanical garden. While he's planning the small details with the manager, he sees Geneva walking with another guy called Zip (Channing Tatum) and hiding among the trees and gardens. He finally sees what he didn't really want to see... His best friend's wife kissing another man.

Now, Ronny is facing a very difficult dilemma... Tell his dear friend that his wife is cheating on him with another man. While he's thinking of the best way to tell him, he also faces the difficult situation of affecting their all project due date and deal with Chrysler and not deliver the new engine, since the brain of all this engineering project is... Nick. He knows if he tells Nick, he'll put so much stress on him and will finally take his mind away from their project and plans.

Trying to "solve" the situation, Ronny tries to deal with this problem with Geneva and Zip, but it will turn into something even more confusing. He's also being affected, not attending his meetings and dead lines with Chrysler, and worst of all, creating some tense situations with his dear love Beth.

At the end, the truth flourishes. All these four people have to face their own dilemmas and solve their problems the best way they can, and most important, prevent these situations in the future.

Well, to be honest, I should start saying that the team and company in charged of the film marketing and promotion failed BIG time delivering the true gender of this film. Why do I say this? Since the very first time I watched the trailer several months ago, I was extremely excited because I genuinely thought it was going to be a black comedy drama, but it turned to be a cynical dramedy. It had some good insights into friendship. There was no chemistry between these two couples, especially between Ronny & Beth. Being such a HUGE fan of Jennifer Connelly, I'd expect it to see a good chemistry, but it just failed.

Sadly, it was a just a forgettable film that could have been such a great comedy (or even a great dramedy), having such a great cast. Huge fail for Universal Pictures for selling us the film as a funny comedy, but it was far from it, it was definitely a drama with a few laughable moments.

I would rate this movie with a 2/5

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Synopsis: Britt Reid, son and heir to Los Angeles' largest newspaper fortune, is a rich, spoiled playboy who has been happy to maintain a direction-less existence. When his father James Reid dies, Britt meets an impressive and resourceful company employee, Kato. They realize that they have the resources to do something worthwhile with their lives and finally step out of James Reid's shadow. Kato builds the ultimate weapon, The Black Beauty, an indestructible car with every weapon imaginable and Britt decides that in order to be heroes, they will pose as villains. With the help of Britt's new secretary, Lenore Case, they learn that the chief criminal in the city is named Benjamin Chudnofsky. He has united all the gangs under his power, and he quickly sees that the Green Hornet is a direct threat to the prosperous criminal underworld he controls.

Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz, Christoph Waltz, Edward James Olmos, David Harbour, Tom Wilkinson
Directed by: Michel Gondry
U.S. Rating: PG-13

I grew up watching amazing old TV series. Even though I was just a kid, I loved and totally enjoyed watching action TV series like The A-Team, The Hulk, Starsky and Hutch, CHiPs and especially, The Green Hornet. This last one was my top favorite one. I totally felt like an adult watching these TV series with my dad and older brother. I was such a fan of Bruce Lee (Kato).

It's been decades since I watched The Green Hornet, but I still remember this TV series like it was yesterday.

That's the main reason why I was so excited when I heard for the first time that Columbia Pictures would bring The Green Hornet to the big screen. I tried to follow all the updates, criticisms and comments about this production, and to be honest, I was kind of surprised that Seth Rogen would take the role of Britt Reid, since I didn't know how a comedian would deliver the real character of Britt Reid in this film. I didn't know he was the co-writer of the script.

The film starts with a flashback of Britt's early years. He lost his mom being just a little boy. His dad, James Reid, is the owner of the most important newspaper in LA (The Daily Sentinel). James didn't have much time to spend with his son. James expected too much from his son Britt, but he didn't get the attention and love he needed from his own father. Now, being a 28-year-old guy, he's a  famous irresponsible "party boy". He doesn't want to learn anything about his dad's empire. He just cares of getting up in the morning, enjoy his coffee and get ready for another wild day.

When his dad dies in his garden from an allergic reaction to a bee sting, he's shocked about the situation and new responsibilities he'll have to face with the newspaper.

When he wakes up the morning after, he notices that his "special coffee" is gone.  When he tries to find a responsible for this, he finds out that his coffee was prepared every morning by his dad's mechanic, which he fired the day before, after finding the news of his dad's death.

Kato was more than a mechanic. He was a skilled martial artist who not just took care of all his dad's cars collection, but prepared the best coffee ever from a coffee machine created by himself.

Britt and Kato start knowing each other better. Kato shows Britt some of the secret weapons he prepared for his dad's personal security. Britt notices how crazy and worried his dad was regarding his own security. Britt tells Kato how awful and boring their lives are and he tries to convince him that they should do something about it. They go out on a night and start fighting some minor crimes, but they're suddenly involved in a bad social perception of their truthful intentions, when they're captured on a video while visiting  his dad's graveyard to cut the head off a memorial statue of his dad on a whim. In the process, they are mistaken by the police for the criminals and chased through the street.

Britt convinces Kat that they should become crimefighters who pose as criminals in order to infiltrate real criminals, and also to prevent enemies from using innocents against them. Britt tries to change this bad perception using his dad's newspaper, giving more and more attention to his secret identity and work. Meanwhile, Kato works on some several gadgets and weapons and fits them in a black sedan called "The Black Beauty".

They decide to fight the most important criminal in LA, Chudnofsky. He runs all the night clubs and illegal drug operations in the city. All the drug dealers and illegal labs work for him. Britt and Kato will start destroying his operations and leaving a business card with an "e-mail address".

One of the very first scenes shows the moment when Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz) arrives to a new night club opened in LA. Chudnofsky went to visit the owner of this place to complaint that he was affecting his reputation opening this place and selling drugs without his authorization. Chudnofsky was the biggest criminal and drug dealer in the city and he wouldn't accept that a new guy in town would open a night club and sell drugs without paying him for it. So, he offers the owner (I won't mention who this person was... he was HILARIOUS!) to give him the night club and turn into his employee. The dialogue on this opening scene was extremely funny and entertaining.

Britt hires Lenore Case (Cameron Diaz) a personal assistant with some expertise and a degree in criminology. Britt tries to get from her the way a criminal mind like "The Green Hornet" would act, and that's the way they move all their actions and hits.

When Chudnofsky feels threatened by The Green Hornet, he tries to kill them (Britt and Kato) and fails in this attempt. Then he tries to make a deal with him to kill the DA of LA and divide the city and illegal businesses in two. The DA of LA is also trying to deal with Britt for his re-election.

At the end, Chudnofsky tries to change his image and changes his name to Bloodnofsky, dressing with a red suit to make the point that blood is what everyone would see when they think of him. Bloodnofsky and his gang, along with the DA will try to kill The Green Hornet but they will fail at the end.

The plot is completely away from the original idea and characters set for the TV series. It is also, obviously, set for the modern days. I was expecting something else, since I thought they would bring the original idea and action set for the TV series, but at the end, they decided to give a comedy point of view to the script, the same way it happened with Starsky and Hutch, played by Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. Both TV series were tough action scripts, but both films didn't follow the original frame.

I was also excited to watch some really good action from Kato. Kato was originally played by Bruce Lee, so it was amazing to watch him kick some butts with his amazing and unique skills in martial arts. Jay Chou performed his role amazingly well, but he couldn't deliver the fight scenes I'd expect to see with any other possible asian actor. Christoph Waltz has become one of my top favorite actors. He is simply amazing. His role in Inglorious Basterds was a poem, but I felt like he was unconfortable playing his role in this film, it didn't help him to show his real talent.

Another special criticism is about the 3D tech used for this film. To be honest, I don't know the reason of shooting this film in 3D. The quality was poor, I didn't feel like I was actually watching a film in 3D. It was a waste of money on my tickets. I would have rathered to watch it in 2D. The only reason  watched it in 3D was because they didn't have it in 2D.

You might think that, due to all these criticisms and comments, the film is not worth to watch. But let me tell you that you're wrong. I must say that I haven't laughed so much in a film at theaters since The Hangover. I laughed from start to end. Some of the dialogue lines were hilarious. We really enjoyed and had a pretty good time. I think they were trying to target the young audience, since they wouldn't have any idea of the original idea of this TV series.

I totally recommend the film, you will have some really good laughs. If you watched the original TV series, don't expect anything close to the facts and original idea. You will have some good laughs and entertaining time.

I would rate this movie with a 3/5

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Synopsis: Doug MacRay is an unrepentant criminal, the de facto leader of a group of ruthless bank robbers who pride themselves in stealing what they want and getting out clean. With no real attachments, Doug never has to fear losing anyone close to him. But that all changed on the gang's latest job, when they briefly took a hostage--bank manager, Claire Keesey. Though they let her go unharmed, Claire is nervously aware that the robbers know her name and where she lives. But she lets her guard down when she meets an unassuming and rather charming man named Doug not realizing that he is the same man who only days earlier had terrorized her. The instant attraction between them gradually turns into a passionate romance that threatens to take them both down a dangerous, and potentially deadly, path.

Starring: Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, Brian Dennehy, Lennie James, Olivia Wilde, Ty Simpkins, Helen Carey, Liam Neeson
Directed by: Paul Haggis
U.S. Rating: PG-13

Definitely, it was a great way to start the new year. The Next Three Days is the kind of film I DO love to watch, especially, being the first film watched at the theatre this year.

With such an amazing cast and a smart and intense plot, I must say that we were really entertained watching this film.

John Brennan (Russell Crowe) is a school teacher married to Lara Brennan (Elizabeth Banks) and they have a little boy named Luke. The film starts with John and Lara enjoying dinner at a restaurant with another couple,. Lara was a little bit late and was visibly irritated, pushing her to the point of having an argument with the other couple.

The morning after, when John and Lara were getting ready to leave home for work, she notices a mark with blood in her coat. While she's trying to wash it, the police knocks at their door and she's taken to jail for killing her boss. Lara had a big argument and fight at work with her boss, and then her boss was found dead at the parking lot.

Knowing that Lara was innocent, John tries everything he can to find the truth and appeal all the previous trials. When the last resource looks like it won't go through (appeal to the Supreme Court), he decides to do something more drastic. He contacts Damon Pennington (Liam Neeson), who was famous for breaking himself out of jail seven times. He gets all the possible information and advices from him and becomes obsessed with the idea of breaking her out of jail. Damon advises John to study the prison, saying "any prison has a key".

John starts planning carefully every single details about the jail and the different ways to break into the jail and get her out. Almost three years later, he has everything ready for his risky master plan.

After a few attempts and unexpected situations, John finds the way to get her wife out of jail. Since Lara was diabetic , John found the perfect key to get her out of jail and get the opportunity to get her and escape to a secure place.

In the meantime, the police is following closely John's steps and find the bags with parts of the papers, pictures, maps and complete information of his plan. They try to discern and guess his moves according with the information on these trash bags, but the time is the key element on this persecution.

After an intense fight against time and different dangerous situations, they're able to escape to their final destination: Caracas, Venezuela.

I must say that I was used to watch Elizabeth Banks in silly comedy films. She is a good actress, but I never saw her playing a key role in a thriller or drama film. After watching her on this film, I must say that she showed that she's not just another actress stuck in just an especific film category, but she has a great talent to play in more important roles, like the one played in this film.

I also liked Olivia Wilde role in this film. Even though she didn't do much or her role was a forgettable one, she did a good job.

And last, but not least, Caracas, Venezuela?! Why?!

Anyway, great film. If you're looking for a drama and intense thriller this film is totally recommended!!!

I would rate this movie with a 4/5

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Synopsis: Detective Allen Gamble is a forensic accountant who's more interested in paperwork than hitting the streets. Detective Terry Hoitz is a tough guy who has been stuck with Allen as his partner ever since an unfortunate run-in with Derek Jeter. Allen and Terry idolize the city's top cops, Danson and Highsmith, but when an opportunity arises for the Other Guys to step up, things don't quite go as planned.

Starring: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan
Directed by: Adam McKay
U.S. Rating: PG-13

Another great action comedy enjoyed this year. The Other Guys joins an amazing cast to a really funny and entertaining plot. With 5 of my top favorites actors (Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Keaton, Samuel L Jackson and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson), I couldn't expect less than the great fun and loud laughs I had watching this film.

Detectives Danson ('The Rock') and Highsmith (Samuel L Johnson) are the toughest and most famous police couple fighting criminals in all the streets of New York. In the other hand, we have "The Other Guys", Detective Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell), a forensic accountant more interested in all the office paperwork than fighting crime on the streets and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg), a frustrated and disgraced officer that has been assigned to be Gamble's partner ever since he shot Derek Jeter during the World Series.

Gamble and Hoitz receive no respect from the other officers, especially from Danson and Highsmith, no matter how much Gamble idolizes them. During a pursuit of a group of bank robbers, Danson and Highsmith (lost in their own 'invincible' ego) jump off a 20-story building onto the sidewalk, trying to catch these professional robbers. Now that the police department has lost their best Detective couple, the fight to conquer that position has started. While other officers try to do their best to fight crime and get their  recognition, Gamble prefers to do his best at a very secure and quiet place, his desk. When an opportunity arises for Gamble and Hoitz, everything they do works against them. They investigate a very important  scaffolding permit violation and corruption case led by multi-billionaire David Ershon to cover his company's losses. Gamble and Hoitz are forced to split up, Hoitz becomes a traffic cop and Gamble tries to investigate the case by himself. When he finally finds all the clues to solve the case, they reunite again and become the true heroes solving the case and putting behind bars the bad guys, Ershon and Wesley.

The film was loaded with spontaneous and really funny scenes. The cast brought their best talent to make the film really, really entertaining. I totally laught with Will Ferrell's role, especially when he goes back to his old life as a 'Pimp'. He was HILARIOUS! It was also really funny to see Michael Keaton working in this film, his role was really funny as the Captain of the police department.

I highly recommend this film as a good option if you're looking for a really funny movie and enjoy a good time.


I would rate this movie with a 4/5

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