The Lucky One

My View: The Lucky One (2012) Based on the Nicholas Sparks bestseller of the same name, U.S. Marine Thibault (Zac Efron) returns to North Carolina after serving a tour in Iraq. He credits his survival to a photograph he found of a woman he doesn’t even know. He is now determined to find her, the woman in the photograph, his ultimate good luck charm. The film delivers exactly what you think it is going to do, and yes, it’s a little sappy and very predictable, but isn’t that why moviegoers flock to these types of films?  Zac Efron doesn’t do a lot in this film but lift heavy bags of dog food and look cute.  I did like his love interest, actress Taylor Schilling.  This is Schilling's first major film role. She comes off prettier and softer than the trailer made her look, and she has a nice chemistry with Efron.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   The Lucky One Website

My View:  Think Like a Man (2012) Adapted from Steve Harvey’s bestselling book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, the film follows four women who take Harvey’s advice on how to deal with their significant relationships. The men in their lives find out about the book and turn the tables on their women. This film has a very large cast, and I especially enjoyed the performances of Taraji P. Henson, Regina Hall and Jerry Ferrara.  Kevin Hart is the guy everyone will be talking about after the film, though, as his character is the most outrageous of the bunch - a man who is reveling in his divorce.  I liked the film, but it is a little too long and tries to give wrap up the film with everyone in the cast getting a happy ending.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Think Like a Man Website

Indiefest:  Marley (2012) This is a documentary on the reggae legend, Bob Marley. The film includes archival concert footage and interviews with Marley’s family, friends and former band members and has extensive behind-the -scenes and rare concert footage. You get to see what a great performer Marley was and the influence of his music, especially in his home country of Jamaica. My only complaint about this film is its length of two and a half hours, much too long of a documentary of a man who only lived to the age of 36.   My Rating: Full Price   Marley Website

The 50 (A Movie From My Best/Worst Films of All Time)

#22 Worst Film:

Airport 1975 (1974) Put it this way, Airplane The Movie "borrowed" several of the plot lines from this clunker including the singing nun, the sick child, the person with a "drinking problem" and flying instructions from the tower. A mid-air collision with a small plane kills or injures most of the flight crew. The lead flight attendant (cross-eyed bad actress Karen Black) takes over and flies the plane, but the audience is hoping the plane will crash and just finally end the film.   Airport 1975 Info

Forgotten Film:  Diner (1982) Written and Directed by Barry Levinson, the film is about group of young men who are at a cross-roads in their lives as they transition into adulthood and have to face the responsibilities that comes with it.  The group is reunited at the wedding of one of their friends, and, throughout the film, they hang out at their old haunt, the Diner. This very funny film has an brilliant cast, with Daniel Stern, Tim Daily, Kevin Bacon, Elle Barkin and Mickey Rourke in possibly one of his best roles as the ladies man, Boogie. The film is shown through a series of vignettes, and the dialogue is very free-flowing and natural.   My Rating: Full Price   Diner Info

In Case You Missed it (A Film Just Released on DVD):  Shame (2011) I did not enjoy this film, though I did enjoy lead actor, Michael Fassbender, in the role of a man so obsessed with sex, it takes over his life.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Shame Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Seen Only in Trailers but Just Looks Like a Bad Idea):   What to Expect When You’re Expecting (2012) Jennifer Lopez headlines a cast that includes Cameron Diaz and Dennis Quaid. I have seen the trailer a number of times and haven’t laughed once.   What to Expect When Your Expecting Website

Weird Credits: From the film The Lady: Sign writer assistant 

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: The Avengers (2012) One of the most anticipated films of the summer as director Joss Whedon pulls Ironman, Thor, Captain America and the rest of the super heroes together to face Loki and his army. Scarlett Johansson is the Black Widow.  You don’t need to show me anymore - I’m there.   The Avengers Website

Until Next Time!