New Moon: 4 out of 5 stars

The second movie installment of the popular Twilight saga, New Moon sucked in viewers from everywhere, including me. Being a fan of the former movie I was intrigued to see how the next film would stand against its predecessor and I am please to report that it did not disappoint. I would even go so far as to say that New Moon’s bite was bigger than the first move.

New Moon picks up a few months from where Twilight left off. It introduces you to more of Edward’s (Robert Pattinson) and Jacob’s (Taylor Lautner) worlds and you see it all from Bella’s (Kristen Stewart) eyes. There were more blood sucking villains than you could shake holy water at in Italy, where the Vulturi live. Plus, some of the hottest werewolves you’ll ever see are part of the Quileutes tribe, so you’ll want to put away those silver bullets.

The pace of this movie was perfect. The beginning may have seemed slow to some people, but to me, it allowed you to truly experience what Bella was going through emotionally, physically, and psychologically after Edward leaves her.

Not to worry though, it quickly picks up once Bella starts spending more time with Jacob. There are some really good action sequences and C.G.I.’s. Plus, the sparks flying from Jacob and Bella two were enough to stake Edward through the heart and create this amazing love triangle.

Overall I would give this movie 4 out of 5 stars. It is definitely worth seeing, even if you haven’t read the books. So if you have some extra time this holiday, you should go check this film out. You should enjoy the film no matter what since it has some amazing eye candy, especially for the women out there.

-Chelsea Delz

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"This Is It" great for anyone of any age

"This Is It" would have been the best concert of all time.

But for the one million or so people who attended, they probably never would have realized what a genius Michael Jackson was. The movie version of the concert development/rehearsals never would have been released, and only insiders would have known how meticulous Jackson was in making it the perfect experience.

If a drum beat started half a second too soon, he stopped and explained why it needed pause. If a riff didn't have enough soul behind it (and I don't even know what that means), he'd beat box/sing/hum exactly how it needed to sound. I couldn't hear a difference, but the musicians could. Everything from the way the vignette actors looked into the camera to the placement of the crystals on what would have been the Billie Jean jacket was deliberate.

For those who are expecting a "River Dance"-type stage production on film, it's not really like that. There is a plot and there are behind-the-scenes explanations of what's going on, which make the story move at a very intriguing pace.

One thing I loved about the concert was that Jackson planned to give the audience exactly what they wanted. The huge stage production was an adaptation of each famous music video. He didn't try to change his original records into something new, or take a different visual stance. "Thriller" was Thriller on steroids. "Smooth Criminal" was smooth criminal on steroids. "Human Nature" was a more raw, acoustic version, but was 100% recognizable.

I think artists try too hard to think outside the box for their shows and end up presenting something wildly different. Jackson and his people thought outside the box and ended up with what would have been a masterpiece.

If you're wondering, there aren't any moments of "freaky Jackson." He's not playing anything up for the cameras pretending to hide his face or anything like that. Aside from the occasional "yes Michael, whatever you want Michael" stuff, it's all about the music and performance.

I would recommend this movie for anyone of any age. The audience at Century 12 Abilene laughed out loud several times, cheered a little bit, and stayed all the way through the credits.

The movie gets a B and Jackson gets an A.

"9" Movie Gets a B+

Nine is a pretty good film. From a technical standpoint, it's excellent. The CGI is so advanced in this film, it kept me captivated the entire time. I must say, however, the plot may be a bit lacking. It has good intentions, but could have been better executed. Had it not been for the absolutely beautiful composition and astounding use of light and motion, I cannot say I would have remained interested throughout the entire thing. It is an action movie, as you might have guessed, so action fans should be pleased.

The depiction of characters was one of the elements I like best about the film. I found myself in each of them, which is certainly an achievement when it comes to portraying characters.

I do not want to reveal too much about the plot, as it is still a good movie that should be perceived by the individual. Overall, I give it a B+.

Reviewed by Megan Dobbs

Also out this week: Whiteout, I Can Do Bad All By Myself and Sorority Row.

New Moon Trailer Sneak Peek

A trailer is a sneak peek at a movie. So what's a sneak peek at a trailer? This.
(The full trailer will be played at the beginning of "Bandslam," in theaters Friday.)

Not-So Funny People

Let's just start off by saying two couples in front of me got up and left. I'll get to why in a minute.

Don't you think you run the risk of extra criticism when you title your comedy "Funny People?" I do like Adam Sandler and Seth Rogan and even Jonah Hill, but don't label them as funny.

After seeing the commercials a dozen times... you know, "How old is Harry Potter? Shouldn't he have graduated by know?" "Are you mad that you died at the end of Die Hard?"... I thought, that's kind of funny, but doesn't seem super funny. I'll give it a try anyway.

Then, when the movie started, I realized those were the only few jokes that weren't R-rated. That's why they had to be in the commercial.

When there's not the drama of a famous comic who's lonely and finds out he's going to die, every single joke consists of the nasty stuff that everyone who has ever been to a comedy show knows comics turn to when they think they're tanking. "Quick, think of something extremely vulgar about your body parts that will make people so uncomfortable they'll have to laugh."

That's why the two couples left. I'm surprised they stuck it out for a full half hour.

Before writing this blog, I watched the 3 1/2 minute trailer online. It's packed full of jokes that aren't in the movie. So, they took out perfectly funny humor to replace it will the vile stuff?

Ok, if you've read this blog before, you know that I dislike raunchy content. (Why I keep going to R-rated movies, I've yet to figure out.) So let's move on to why I disliked the movie for other reasons.

1. It's SO long. You think (hope) it's going to end soon and then you realize the real plot -- about "the one that got away" -- hasn't even started yet.

2. The cameos. Sure, it's fun to see Adam Sandler, who essentially plays himself, interact with big-name comedians on a social level. You have Ray Romano, Sarah Silverman, Norm McDonald, Paul Reiser... but then you have Eminem and James Taylor. Eminem is (no surprise) annoying and rude. And not in an obvious "making fun of himself" kind of way. Then, James Taylor, who plays two of my favorite songs in the movie, opens his dirty mouth and spits out two dirty jokes -- and couldn't even deliver them with a straight face.

3. Leslie Mann. Don't like her. I want to tell her to take it down and octave and move her lips when she talks. In my opinion, she could play the Good Witch of the North and that's about it. I think she has a lot to do with the movie dragging on and on, since it centers around her for the last hour.

One of these days I'll review a movie I like, I promise!

New Batman Film Underway

A new Batman film may begin shooting next year for release in 2011, according to actor Gary Oldman, who starred in the most recent blockbuster Batman movies.

Oldman, appearing in San Diego at the Comic-Con convention, let it slip that a new flick about the crime-fighting superhero is set to start filming next year.

The actor, who played Commissioner Gordon in director Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight" was at the convention promoting another movie thriller, "The Book of Eli."

(Copyright 2009 by Newsroom Solutions)

Bruno is Downright Disgusting!

Bruno is disgusting, vile, offensive, gross, and downright nasty. If you can look past that...and I consider that a big "if"...the movie can be entertaining and amusing.

The film features a mix of real situations and storyline. The filmmakers do an excellent job of weaving real footage into a wild and outlandish story. These "real" situations are what makes the film. You'd think people learned from Borat. Nope. Star Sacha Baren Cohen is able to pull the wool (or in this case silk D&G scarf) over everyone's eyes again.

The movie follows Austrian fashion TV host Bruno who is famous enough to decide what's "in" and "out" in pop culture. After a disastrous decision to wear a Velcro suit to a fashion show, Bruno is fired from his job and become the laughing stock of Austria. At that point, Bruno decides he needs to come to the U.S. and become a celebrity! He hooks up with a talent agent and tries every route you could imagine to be famous. His exploits include marketing a TV show, going to the Mideast to get a peace treaty signed, adopting an African child, and trying to become straight. His efforts to leave behind his homosexual lifestyle lead to the most humorous aspects of the film.

It might sound cute. However, it's not. I can't stress enough: this movie is nasty! Don't take the kids, don't take grandma, and don't go if you have a heart condition. When my mom came to town last weekend, I suggested to her that we might go see Bruno together because it would probably be funny. That would've been a horrible idea!! We'd probably never be able to look each other in the eyes again.

I'll rate it like this:
22-year-old guy who doesn't have a girlfriend and thinks Harold & Kumar are the world's biggest celebrities: 4 out of 5 stars
Anyone who thinks they can't be offended and likes a good laugh: 3 out of 5 stars
Anyone who considers themselves normal: 1 out of 5 stars
Someone easily offended: You will walk out of the movie