The latest movies seen and
reviewed : Aug/Sept 2011
I have done 12 short reviews of the latest movies from august to september and some movies that are not even out yet, even one thats going to come out in october (UK) These are quick and short independent reviews done by a normal moviegoer so you can get a better sense of what is out there, what is good, and what maybe isn't worth your time.
1. Friends with Benefits (2011)
"Friends with Benefits" is a Screen Gems release, directed by Will Gluck and is rated R for sexual content and language. The running time is 2 hours
The cast includes Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Patricia Clarkson, Andy Samberg, Jenna Elfman and Richard Jenkins.
Short Review: A Fun Romantic Comedy, that takes the mick out of other Romantic comedies but ends up eventually being a regular Hollywood cliché.
Should I watch it? We have seen a similar movie this year in the romantic comedy hit 'No strings attached', which was also about friends 'hooking up' just for the pleasure of the whole act; Friends with benefit has nothing new or better to offer. However it does carry some laughs and is is entertaining and is fun enough to go see. Also the chemistry between Kunis and Timberlake is great.
Release Date: 9th sept 2011 (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: --7/10--
IMDB Rating: --6.8 (10,242 votes)--
2. Cowboys & Aliens (2011)
"Cowboys & Aliens" is a DreamWorks Pictures / Universal Pictures release, directed by Jon Favreau and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of western and sci-fi action and violence, some partial nudity and a brief crude reference. The running time is 1 hour 58 minutes
The cast includes Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Noah Ringer, Sam Rockwell, Adam Beach, Abigail Spencer and Walt Goggins.
Short Review: To be honest it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. Its fun for what it is but I was hoping for much more.
Should I Watch it? If your into western movies then you'll be entertained but if you are expecting more aliens and a mind blowing story then you might get disappointed. Watch this if you're just seeking for some sheer action and explosions But it's not quite there.
Release Date: 17th Aug 2011 (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: --5.5/10--
IMDB Rating : --6.6 (20,240 votes)--
3. The Smurfs (2011)
"The Smurfs" is a Columbia Pictures release, directed by Raja Gosnell and is rated PG for some mild rude humor and action. The running time is 1 hour 42 minutes
The voice cast includes Hank Azaria, Katy Perry and Jonathan Winters
Short Review: What the smurfin hell. Its really not good at all. I mean normally there is a few laughs for an older audience. But it wasn't funny even for kids. Except for the couple of funny one-liners, and the annoying "la, la, la, la, la, la" it's pretty stupid.
Should I Watch it? The Smurfs is mildly entertaining, at its best, the kids might like this, if they haven't seen the original cartoons, but I would recommend not to waste your money seeing this in the cinema.
Release Date: 17th Aug 2011 (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: -- 5/10--
IMDB Rating: --4.9 (6,652 votes)--
4. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is a 20th Century Fox release, directed by Rupert Wyatt and is rated PG-13 for intense and frightening sequences of action and violence. The running time is 1 hour 45 minutes
The cast includes James Franco, John Lithgow, Freida Pinto, Andy Serkis, Brian Cox, David Oyelowo, Tom Felton, Tyler Labine, David Hewlett and Sonja Bennett.
Short Review: A remake of the classic series. It starts off from the beginning this time and a sequel is sure to come. As most of the action you see in trailers comes near the end. It's a very fascinating story. I knew it was going to be good and it didn't dissapoint. It's a very good story driven film that includes great action and is a excellent entertainment all round.
Should I Watch it? The movie is easily one of the most thrilling films we've had this summer. I would definitely recommend it. By the way don't get up and leave once the credits begin to roll, there is a mid-credit sequence that adds to the story (airport) thats all im saying.
Release Date: 11th Aug 2011 (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: --7.5/10--
IMDB Rating: -- 7 (48,104 votes)--
5. Fright Night (2011)
"Fright Night" is a DreamWorks Pictures release, directed by Craig Gillespie and is rated R for bloody horror violence and language including some sexual references. The running time is 1 hour 41 minutes
The cast includes Anton Yelchin, David Tennant, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Colin Farrell, Toni Collette and Imogen Poots.
Short Review: An entertaining remake of the mid-80s vampire movie. Im sure the original was good ( I havn't seen it) but this was'nt scary one bit. It's funny at times and entertaining but thats it.
Should I watch it? Fright Night works as a satisfying night out to the cinema. Its OK but nothing special and won't blow you away. It will keep you entertained. If you're even the slightest bit interested in seeing this movie I would suggest giving it a shot.
Release Date: 2nd Sept 2011 (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: --6.5/10--
IMDB Rating: --6.9 (5,840 votes)--
6. The art of getting by (2011)
"The Art of Getting By" is a Fox Searchlight Pictures release, directed by Gavin Wiesen and is rated PG-13 for thematic elements including sexual content, language, teen drinking and partying. The running time is 1 hour 24 minutes
The cast includes Emma Roberts, Freddie Highmore, Michael Angarano, Alicia Silverstone, Elizabeth Reaser, Blair Underwood, Sam Robards and Rita Wilson.
Short Review: It hasn't got the best reviews in the world on other sites but I liked it. It wasn't terrible yet it wasn't excellent. It's an Indie film about a kid who is bored of school and life. Relates to most kids and will bring back memories but its a little confused and doesn't have a straight plot.
Should I watch this? It's great for a night in, and the acting is great which makes it enjoyable, but I don't think I would pay to see it in the cinema.
Release Date: 2nd Sept 2011 (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: --6.5/10--
IMDB Rating: -- 6.1 (1,022 votes)--
7. Apollo 18 (2011)
"Apollo 18" is a PG-13, and is 1 hr. 26 min.Science Fiction & Fantasy, Horror
Trevor Cawood
Brian Miller (XXI), Cory Goodman.
The Cast include Warren Christie, Lloyd Owen and Ryan Robbins
Short Review: I didn't like this at all its annoying to watch with its 'found footage' camera work and noise and it tries copying the same style as paranormal activity. Its only 1hr 26 mins and still it seems like it's dragging. Its like your always waiting for the end to see what happens and you want to see some big alien or some major rescue but no... There's a very few 'scares' and does a great job of building tension but then thats it.
Should I watch this? It was a good idea but a bad film. Its not funny, not scary not anything just dull. I'd Skip this movie. I wouldn't see it for free in the cinema.
Release Date: 2nd Sept 2011 (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: --5/10--
IMDB Rating: --6.3 (2,401 votes)--
8. Monte Carlo (2011)
PG, 1 hr. 49 min. Action & Adventure, Romance, Comedy Directed By: Thomas Bezucha , Tom Bezuch.
The Cast include Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy
Short Review: Great cast and beautiful locations. It was similar to a TV disney movie. nothing special but enjoyable for teens. There some slight funny moments and is good for it's target audience of tweens/early teens.
Should I watch this? Its silly and predictable but I didn't care too much. It's fun. If you're looking for a nice movie that won't offend anyone then this is for you. Its not really for the older audience but it does no harm. I would think its more of a girly get together kinda movie.
Release Date: 21st October 2011 (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: --6.5--
IMDB Rating: --5/10 (3,260 votes)-- not yet released in the UK might increase to 6 atleast..?
9. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
"Crazy, Stupid, Love" is a Warner Bros. release, directed by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra and is rated PG-13 for coarse humor, sexual content and language. The running time is 1 hour 58 minutes
The cast includes Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, Kevin Bacon, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, Josh Groban and Joey King.
Short Review: I really enjoyed this movie its got comedy, drama and some romance. But as a comedy there is a lot to laugh about. It's quite enjoyable and carell and gosling a great too and this movie actually isn't a typical romantic comedy I mean it's a little predictable and has a happy ending but it's diffrent and funny and good for male and female audiences.
Should I watch this? This movie has a little bit of everything and I think that most people would enjoy it. There is enough humor to keep everyone happy and entertained.
Release Date: 23 september 2011 (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: --7.5/10
IMDB Rating: --7.9 (9,844 votes) -
10. The Change-Up (2011)
"The Change-Up" is a Universal Pictures release, directed by David Dobkin and is rated R for pervasive strong crude sexual content and language, some graphic nudity and drug use. The running time is 1 hour 53 minutes
The cast includes Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde, Leslie Mann and Alan Arkin.
Short Review: Yet another funny movie you should look out for. I know Body-switch comedies are not new but this ones funny and a little diffrent, well maybe because it's foul-mouthed, offensive and raunchy... Don't believe people who say its just a another body-switch movie beacuse you'd be crazy to miss out on it. It's a great comedy.
Should I watch it? If you enjoy adult humor this is a movie you, it's funny and will make you laugh all the way and keep you entertained. But it's not for children.
Release Date: 16th Sept 2011 (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: --7/10--
IMDB Rating: -- 6.4 (4,153 votes)--
11. Red State (2011)
Is rated R, and is 1 hr. 37 min. genre: Mystery & Suspense, Horror
Kevin Smith.
The Cast includes Michael Parks, Melissa Leo and John Goodman
Short Review: This movie pisses me off for some reason its not to everyones taste. I only watched it because I thought it was a scary horror but its not. Its good acting and directing don't get me wrong. The story degenerates into a shoot em up dark comedy of religious nonsense and government conspiracy. Thers no real build up to the story or any character development. The middle of the movie has some good bits but ends up having a bad and pointless ending.
Should I watch this? As a horror movie.. No. I’d call it a religious thriller. If your into messed up religious psychos in a Baptist Church packing automatic weapons who kidnap 'sinners' (homosexuals, deviants, fornicators) and use God as an excuse to do horrible things then sure go ahead.
Release Date: 30th sept (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: --5/10--
IMDB Rating: --6.7 (2,691 votes)
12. Colombiana (2011)
"Colombiana" is a TriStar Pictures release, directed by Olivier Megaton and is rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, intense sequences of action, sexuality and brief strong language. The running time is 1 hour 47 minutes
The cast includes Zoe Saldana, Michael Vartan, Jordi Molla, Cliff Curtis, Lennie James and Amandla Stenberg.
Short Review: Its good but nothing new. Its just your average action movie you have probably seen many times before. A nine-year-old girl spending the next 15 years of her life to become a killer all in a search for revenge because of the death of her parents. Much diffrent and better than 'hanna' with alot more action. I do think Saldana is a great actress her performance in Avatar was excellent and she does what she can with the performance here.
Should I watch this? It's a straight-up action movie, no more, no less. I still would recommend seeing the movie as its not bad and there are some good killing scenes, but I wouldn't qualify it as a must-see.
Release Date: 9th Sept 2011 (UK)
Hussmir's Rating: --6.5/10
IMDB Rating: --5.8 (2,313 votes)--
