The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid, starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, was a great remake! I remember seeing the original Karate Kid when I was in high school and loved it. This movie is well cast and very entertaining! Its plot lines travel slightly deeper than surface level. The relationship between Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) is one that proves mutually healing. The story line revolves around bullying and makes you cheer for the underdog! You won't regret seeing this one!

Julie and Julia

When Julie faces her 30th birthday, she begins to reflect on where she is in life. She works for an insurance company in New York City as a customer service representative. When she meets friends for lunch, she feels that their lives are of much more importance than her own. After talking things over with her husband, it becomes clear that she has great passion for cooking and a talent for writing. She likes to unwind after work by trying new recipes, and decides to create a blog about cooking through Julia Child's cookbook. As this is going on, the movie tells the story about Julia Child before she became Julia Child. Meryl Streep does an incredible job at capturing the JOY that Julia had for life. She met her challenges with great perserverance! This movie is about finding what you are passionate about and going after it. When your work and play are the same thing, you probably have found what you are meant to do with your life.

Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire is a dramatic movie with 10 academy award nominations. Jamal Malik grew up as an orphan in Mumbai India, where he befriends Latika, also an orphan, who becomes his destiny. At age 18, Jamal appears on the game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire. He is one question away from the ultimate prize when he is arrested for suspicion of cheating. No one believes that this slumdog could possibly know all of the answers to the quiz show questions. At the police station, he gives an account of every question and the life experiences that enable him to know the answers. Though Jamal’s life is difficult, could there be a silver lining to it all? This movie has the feeling of a true story and it is definitely worth seeing. It earns its R rating for some disturbing cultural practices as well as violence.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop

Paul Blart: Mall Cop is a funny, friendly comedy. Kevin James (Paul Blart) is known as a Mall OFFICER (not cop), and he gives a whole new meaning to the word "Segway!" Kevin James was everything that you would expect in this movie and even more. He is a single dad living with his mother - which in itself is heart warming. There are reasons that he is single - with that, his family signs him up for a dating service (a cute aside in the movie). While closing up for a friend, he finds that the mall has been taken over by thieves. He wants nothing more than to be heroic and save the day, though not for his own glory but to keep people safe. You truly see the heart of this guy throughout the movie - and what a heart he has! He's the guy that everyone would want to have in their life. Grab your girlfriend, your boyfriend, your kids, your neighbors - and anyone else who loves a funny, lighthearted flick. Don't leave the movie too soon, there is more to see when the credits roll.
This movie review was written by Annie Unkefer and Nell Lewis.

Gran Torino

Gran Torino is an incredible drama starring Clint Eastwood and directed by the same. I had no expectations going into the theater because I had neither seen or read a thing on it. It had a great beginning - had you at the beginning and kept you on the edge of your seat until the end. Such a believable story of a Korean war vet in the early 1950's. During the years, Clint Eastwood's (Walt Kowalski's) neighborhood dynamics have changed and that is a lot for him to deal with - but deal with it he does! There aren't a lot of Americans with such heart and toughness left in this world. It made me long for more time with those people who are dying off. In life we meet many people who have developed a tough shell - and it reminded me that there are usually some events that caused that heart to harden a bit. That is a big part of what you find here. This movie will make you a Clint Eastwood fan, but beware, the language is what earns this film its R rating. I will not only remember the movie for a long long time but the name will never escape me! Gran Torino - now there was a car!
This movie review was written by Nell Lewis.

Seven Pounds

Seven Pounds, starring Will Smith, is a shocking drama where one man takes extreme measures to right a wrong. Through this man's journey, seven lives will be changed forever. Will Smith (Ben) uses IRS credentials to assist him with his utmost scheme. His performance is beyond brillant in this movie. The symbolism in why Rosario Dawson (Emily) owns a Great Dane is a touching attention to detail by the writer. The bond between Will Smith (Ben) and Rosario Dawson (Emily) is one that will transcend time. This movie will have you guessing up until the very end. Life is fragile and uncertain and seeing Seven Pounds will cause that fact to resonate in your heart long after you leave the theater. Will Smith should be nominated for an academy award for this one! I loved this moving film and would highly recommend it!

Bride Wars

Romantic comedy, Bride Wars, starring Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway, and Candice Bergen was fabulously delightful. Kate Hudson (Liv) and Anne Hathaway (Emma) have been best friends for over 20 years, but when only one date at the New York Plaza is available for their upcoming nuptials, their friendship is tested and rivalry and sabotage ensue. Through all the deception and betrayal, Emma and Liv take stock of their lives and make positive changes. Kristen Johnston (Deb) is hilarious in her role as Emma’s co-worker/maid of honor. Though Paul Scheer (Ricky Coo) has a very small role as a dance instructor, it will crack you up. The fashion in this film is fantastic and New York is the perfect setting. What wedding flick would be complete without Vera Wang dresses? “You don’t alter Vera to fit your body; you alter your body to fit Vera!” Grab your daughter, girlfriend, sister, or mother and head out to see this truly entertaining film.