"End of Watch" is a finely crafted crime drama about two LAPD officers who patrol the dangerous streets of the South Central Los Angeles area. Producer-director-screenwriter David Ayer ("Harsh Times" 2005) evidently did his research, as the film has an authentic feel to it. [..]
The Bourne Legacy (2012)
"The Bourne Legacy" is an exciting espionage thriller, the fourth installment in the Jason Bourne series (2002, 2004, 2007) that does not feature Matt Damon as Bourne, who did not want to return due to a change in directors. This director, Tony Gilroy ("Michael Clayton" 2007), has [..]
Lawless (2012)
"Lawless" is a crime drama story about three brothers running a moonshine business in 1931 rural Virginia and the scrapes they get into with local law enforcement, federal authorities, and other criminal elements. Director John Hillcoat ("The Road" 2009) and screenwriter Nick Cave let [..]
The Expendables 2 (2012)
"The Expendables 2" is certainly an improvement over the original "Expendables" of 2010. A neutral observer can get the impression that director Simon West ("Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" 2001) uses this film as a way to employ washed up action stars. Actually, he did employ good [..]
Looper (2012)
"Looper" is a science fiction action movie from director-screenwriter Rian Johnson ("The Brothers Bloom" 2008) that tells the story of a hitman from the future going into the past only to be in peril of being killed by his younger self. This well-constructed time travel film is [..]
Brave (2012)
"Brave" is a computer-animated fantasy movie set in Scotland about Princess Merida of Clan Dunbroch and her amazing archery skills. The outstanding job by directors Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Steve Purcell and Irene Mecchi, caused the film to win the [..]
Total Recall (2012)
When Hollywood remakes a picture only twenty-two years old, it is obvious that the industry is running out of ideas. Nevertheless, "Total Recall" has plenty of action scenes, good production values, and a passable script to make it a watchable movie. Colin [..]
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
"The Dark Knight Rises" brings an exciting conclusion to the recent Batman film series: "Batman Begins" (2005) and "The Dark Knight" (2008). The story has Bruce Wayne coming out of retirement as Batman to save Gotham City from nuclear destruction. Producer-director Christopher Nolan, who was in [..]
Ted (2012)
"Ted" is a satirical comedy film produced, directed, and co-written by Seth MacFarlane in his big-screen directorial debut. This is a ridiculous story about a man who is still living a partying lifestyle well into his thirties with his childhood friend Ted, a teddy bear who came [..]
Men in Black 3 (2012)
"Men in Black 3" is a fun and well crafted motion picture, proving true the old adage that the third time is a charm, better than "Men in Black" (1997) and "Men in Black II" (2002). Director Barry Sonnenfeld (at the helm of the two previous films) [..]