“2012”

What is it with Roland Emmerich’s doomsday obsession? After “Independence Day,” where aliens try to destroy civilization, and “The Day After Tomorrow,” where climate change gets a crack, he looks to the Mayan calendar to predict and entertain us with the end of the world. (Which, I hope you know by now, is an inaccurate interpretation. So keep saving for your retirement.) In true Emmerich fashion, there are lots of explosions and crazy huge special effects. There's a good deal of sermonizing about “Humanity” and “Civilization,” especially at those pivotal moments. And then there are the laughs, unintentional of course, as all mayhem breaks loose. I just found it preposterous how John Cusack, who's been making some curious role choices of late, manages to narrowly escape death by running, driving and flying while the earth is crumbling, buildings are falling and fireballs are exploding. And you don’t have to be a clairvoyant to see how it ends. You know exactly how “2012” is going, with the exception of a neat twist that allows our heroes to reach China despite the fact that they’ve run out of fuel. So If you can switch off the logic center of your brain “2012” is a moderately enjoyable popcorn movie. But even among Emmerich's catalog, it’s not one of the best. My tweet: 2012-After failing to destroy earth by alien invasion & ice age, Roland Emmerich looks to the Mayans for ideas. 3rd time's not the charm. 5 (out of 10).

Another end-of-the-world movie you might enjoy: “Knowing”

“2012”

Released: 2009

Rating: PG-13

Length: 158 minutes

Cast: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton, Danny Glover, Woody Harrelson

Director: Roland Emmerich

Genre(s): Action, Sci-fi, Thriller

“The Taking of Pelham 123” (2009)

The basic premise is the same, but director Tony Scott rachets up the noise, violence and cutting tempo in this remake of the 1974 thriller. In this outing, John Travolta, suffering from a bad case of Al Pacino syndrome, emotes his way through the subway hijacking, while Denzel Washington keeps his cool as the dispatcher on the other end on the line. “The Taking of Pelham 123” ends like the original with them getting the bad guy. But it’s all brawn and no brain. And even the reason for the hijacking is convoluted. Without giving up too much, it made me wonder why Travolta didn’t just hire someone to do it for him. Maybe someone who’s a better actor. My Tweet: The Taking of Pelham 123-After they took the Pelham One Two Three in 1974, the Transit Authority should have beefed up security. 6.5 (out of 10)

To see it done old school, here’s the trailer for “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” with Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw.

“The Taking of Pelham 123”

Released: 2009

Rating: R

Length: 106 minutes

Cast: Denzel Washington, John Travolta, James Gandolfini, John Turturro

Director: Tony Scott

Genre(s): Adaptation, Action, Thriller

“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”

Because of all the bad press this movie got, the fact that it didn’t completely stink was a surprise. While this is far from a rousing endorsement, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” is far from a complete waste of time. As the title implies, it tells the backstory of one of Marvel Comics’ and the X-Men movie franchise’s most popular characters. And if you’re interested in Logan’s (Hugh Jackman) strained relationship with his brother, Victor Creed (Liev Schreiber), how he got his adamantium claws, the reasoning behind Stryker’s (Danny Huston) mutant experiments and meeting a few more mutants, it’s worth a look. But it’s mostly Jackman snarling and snorting his way through a trail of dead bodies and exploding real estate. The formulaic violence makes the movie feel more like a vigilante flick from the 1970s. It also lacks the hip sensibility of “Iron Man” or Gothic moodiness of “The Dark Knight.” So unless you’re one of Stan Lee’s “true believers,” I’d skip this one. My Tweet: X-Men Origins: Wolverine-A case study in how not to handle an individual with unresolved anger-management issues. 6 (out of 10)

“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”

Released: 2009

Rating: PG-13

Length: 107 minutes

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber

Director: Gavin Hood

Genre(s): Adaptation, Adventure, Action

“X-men 3: The Last Stand”

My tweet: X-Men 3: The Last Stand-While Bryan Singer is minding the Superman franchise, Magneto and Brett Ratner make a mess of things. 7 (out of 10) Brett Ratner, who took the helm while Brian Singer was directing “Superman Returns,” must be from the “too much of a good thing still isn’t enough” school of directing. Because in “X-men 3: The Last Stand” he piles it on. “The Last Stand” is bigger and louder than the first two X-men films, and has more characters than you can count. It also has two storylines: one involving a “cure” for mutants, derived from the DNA of a mutant boy and another about the resurrection of Jean Gray (Famke Janssen), who died at the end of the X-men 2. Needless to say, the mutants are split about the cure and Jean is now Phoenix with unimaginable, and uncontrollable, powers. These two stories collide in a effects-laden battle between the Brotherhood, led by Magneto (Ian McKellen) and the humans, with Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Storm (Halle Berry) and the X-men providing support. But it’s all pretty much expected by now. So while “The Last Stand” may surpass the prior installments in pyrotechnics, unfortunately it comes up short on satisfaction. I’d recommend either one of the first two.

“X-men 3: The Last Stand”

Released: 2006

Rating: PG-13

Length: 105 minutes

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Kelsey Grammer, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn

Director: Brett Ratner

Genre(s): Adventure, Sequel, Action

“Grizzly Man”

For 13 summers, Timothy Treadwell lived with the grizzly bears in a remote area of Alaska. Although he believed himself to be a protector of the bears, many people thought he was a nut. In “Grizzly Man,” Werner Herzog pieces together Treadwell’s story from video footage shot by Treadwell himself and interviews with the people who knew him. While the interviews and Herzog’s narration serve to provide context and chronology, it’s Treadwell’s footage that makes “Grizzly Man” so compelling. With his Prince Valiant haircut and Mr. Rogers’ speaking manner, he’s is quite a character. The remarkable thing is that bears have become so accustomed to Treadwell’s presence that he’s largely ignored. Likewise, he’s become so accustomed to the bears (maybe too much) that he’s fearless in his interactions with them. This is not the kind of stuff you see in National Geographic specials – from some unmanned close-up camera or shot from a safe distance. Treadwell gets up close and personal with 1,000-pound beasts that could maul or kill him in an instant. Which, unfortunately, is how it all ends. But even when you know that going in, this story/character study a well-meaning but misguided man is no less surprising. My tweet: Grizzly Man-Werner Herzog's fascinating documentary about a man who lives with bears in the wild until they have a “falling out.” 7 (out of 10)

“Grizzly Man”

Released: 2005

Rating: R

Length: 100 minutes

Cast: Timothy Treadwell, Werner Herzog, Amie Huguenard, Warren Queeney

Director: Werner Herzog

Genre(s): Documentary, Nature

“Terminator 2: Judgment Day”

It’s not often that a sequel surpasses the original, but James Cameron’s “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” certainly does. The reason is that Cameron wisely decided not to rehash the hugely successful Terminator movie. He turned his nascent franchise on its ear by making the original T-800 Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) this film’s hero. This T-800 is sent back from the future to protect the teenage John Conner (Edward Furlong) from the shape-shifting T-1000 (Robert Patrick). In the process of rescuing mom Sarah Conner (Linda Hamilton) from a mental hospital and convincing Cyberdyne’s lead inventor Miles Dyson (Joe Morton) to destroy his work, the T-800 and John, forge an unlikely friendship. It almost takes on the air of a buddy film with John teaching the socially-awkward Terminator (He is an android, after all.) catchphrases like “Hasta la vista, baby” while the T-800 becomes the father figure John’s never had. Robert Patrick’s T-1000 is imposing because of his dogged determination and the serious expression he maintains throughout the film (Android, again). And the special effects still stand up today. There’s a sequel (a lackluster retread of this story, wisely not directed by Cameron) so you know that judgment day will still arrive. But that shouldn’t spoil the enjoyment of watching John, Sarah and the Terminator trying to keep the future from happening. My tweet about the Terminator turned Governor: Terminator 2: Judgment Day-Cyborg Arnold Schwarzenegger finds Robert Patrick’s T-1000 almost as challenging as the California legislature. 8.5 (out of 10)

“Terminator 2: Judgment Day”

Released: 1991

Rating: R

Length: 139 minutes

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, Edward Furlong

Director: James Cameron

Genre(s): Sequel, Action, Thriller

Short Take: "Eagle Eye"

What I tweeted: Eagle Eye-Mysterious woman phones Shia LaBeouf & makes him do bad things. The strongest argument yet for being on the do-not-call list. 6 (out of 10)

What I thought: A popcorn movie from the Michael Bay school – lots of rapid-fire cuts, lots of explosions. The film is built on a well-worn plot device and much of the action defies logic. But if you’re in the mood from some mindless action, you could do lot worse.

"Eagle Eye"

Released: 2008

Rating: PG-13

Length: 118 minutes

Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Anthony Azizi, Billy Bob Thornton

Director: D.J. Caruso

Genre(s): Drama

Enemy at the Gates: Unwelcome to Stalingrad

Here’s what I wrote on Twitter: Crack shot Jude Law leads the Russian welcoming committee sent to greet the Nazis in Stalingrad during WWII. 8.5 (out of 10) “Enemy at the Gates” is the story of Vassili Zaitsev (Jude Law), a Russian sniper who played a key role in defending Stalingrad against the invading Nazis during World War II. In the beginning of the movie, it looks as though the Russians don’t have much of a chance. Their troops are headed for an almost certain death against the better armed and better trained Germans. And if the situation weren’t bad enough, the officers warn that if the men retreat, they will be shot. And many of them are. The pivotal scene occurs shortly after the first battle. As the dust clears and Zaitsev is hiding amongst the dead bodies, he’s handed a rifle by political officer Danilov (Joseph Fiennes) and proceeds to pick off five German officers with five perfect shots. Before you know it, Zaitsev is the poster child for the Russian forces and everyone is reading about his continued exploits – including the Germans, who send in Major König (Ed Harris), their top marksman to take out Zaitsev. Once König arrives the tension ratchets up considerably as the game of cat and mouse begins between König and Zaitsev, each man setting traps for the other and lying in wait. It’s just a matter of time before one of them slips up and the other draws blood. There’s also a love triangle between Danilov, Zaitzev and a female soldier (Rachel Weisz) in there. But it’s a minor distraction to the main event between the two shooters. Because in the end it’s not about Zaitsev getting the girl, it’s about him getting the Major.

"Enemy at the Gates"

Released: 2001

Rating: R

Length: 131 minutes

Cast: Jude Law, Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Bob Hoskins

Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud

Genre(s): Drama, Adaptation, Adventure

The Top 8 DVD Reviews (so far): “The King of Kong”

Article 2 of 8

Continuing my Top 8 list to celebrate the first 100 TweeterFlix DVD reviews, here’s number 7 (so far):

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

My review from Twitter: Steve Wiebe is the Luke Skywalker of the videogame universe & defeats its Evil Empire. Not nearly as geeky as it sounds. 9 (out of 10) You don’t have to be a geek or like videogames to appreciate this documentary. It’s the classic tale of the little guy fighting against the establishment. In this case it’s a school teacher, Steve Wiebe, who decides he can beat the Donkey Kong world record. And he does. But when Steve submits the evidence, Twin Galaxies, the governing body, and Billy Mitchell, the current record holder, throw all sorts of obstacles in his way. But like the determined Mario in the game, that doesn’t stop Steve.

Number 8: “The Dark Knight”

Coming up next: “Thirteen”

“The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters”

Released: 2007

Rating: PG-13

Length: 79 minutes

Cast: Steve Wiebe, Billy Mitchell, Walter Day, Todd Rogers, Steve Sanders

Director: Seth Gordon

Genre(s): Documentary, Technology

The Top 8 DVD Reviews (so far): “The Dark Knight”

Article 1 of 8

To celebrate the first 100 TweeterFlix DVD reviews, I wanted to do a Top 10 List. But frankly, the field gets a little crowded after the first 8. Besides, everyone does Top 10’s. Here’s number 8 (so far):

The Dark Knight

A couple of personal friends complain about the rating I gave “The Dark Knight.” But you have to admit, Heath Ledger's performance is amazing. And Christian Bale’s not shabby either. Christopher Nolan really understands the dark sides of these characters. Compare his to Tim Burton’s. Michael Keaton’s Batman may have been disturbed, but Bale’s is dangerous. And Jack Nicholson was a cartoon character while Leger’s Joker had deep psychological issues. On Twitter, I wrote: Christian Bale's back as Christopher Nolan's brooding Batman-this time to be upstaged by Heath Ledger's brilliant Joker. 9 (out of 10)

Coming up next: “The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters”

“The Dark Knight”

Released: 2008

Rating: PG-13

Length: 153 minutes

Cast: Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine

Director: Christopher Nolan

Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Sequel

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

Since everyone's talking about "The Talking of Pelham 1 2 3" with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, here's the trailer from the original “One Two Three” with Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw to show you how they do it old school. My review from Twitter: Daring 1974 subway hijacking that inspired a copycat some 35 years later. Points for originality. 8 (out of 10)

"The Taking of Pelham One Two Three"

Released: 1974

Rating: R

Length: 124 minutes

Cast: Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo

Director: Joseph Sargent

Genre(s): Action, Thriller, Crime

Riding Giants: Chairmen of the Board, Part 3

Continued from “Lords of Dogtown”

Stacey Peralta has another worthwhile documentary with “Riding Giants,” about the legends of big wave surfing. Like “Dogtown and Z-Boys,” this film is about a sport changed by a few extremely talented and driven athletes. It follows their obsession for the ultimate ride. In fact, the sport has progressed to the point where Laird Hamilton, has a speedboat towing him up to speed so he can catch skyscraper–size swells out in the middle of the ocean. And it’s all on film. Like “Z-Boys,” this film is a compilation of interviews, photos and archival footage. But with the many stills, Peralta goes Ken Burns one better by adding “mulitplane” techniques to add depth, dimension and movement to the stills. It’s a cool trick.

My review on Twitter: Riding Giants-The daring surfers who face mountainous walls of water without soiling themselves. (Like you'd be able to tell.) 8 (out of 10)

Continues with “Surfwise”

“Riding Giants”

Released: 2004

Rating: PG-13

Length: 101 minutes

Cast: Greg Noll, Jeff Clark, Laird Hamilton, Darrick Doern

Director: Stacy Peralta

Genre(s): Documentary, Sports

Lords of Dogtown: Chairmen of the Board, Part 2

Continued from “Dogtown and Z-Boys”

Catherine Hardwicke, the director of “Thirteen” and the recent “Twilight,” dramatized the Z-Boys story in her “Lords of Dogtown.” Like the documentary, “Dogtown and Z-Boys,” it shows their rise to prominence and the fractures the fame caused, but I didn’t like it as much as the documentary. Maybe it was because I already knew the story or because it was just more interesting to have the original players tell it. Regardless, it’s well acted, well told and the skateboarding footage is great. (Though not as great as “Z-boys.”)

My review on Twitter: Lords of Dogtown-This Hollywood-mogenized skateboard movie tells the “Dogtown and Z-Boys” story of but with better-looking people. 7 (out of 10)

Continue with “Riding Giants”

“Lords of Dogtown”

Released: 2005

Rating: PG-13

Length: 109 minutes

Cast: Heath Ledger, John Robinson, Victor Rasuk, Emile Hirsch

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Genre(s): Drama, Historical, Period

The Dam Busters: What goes down...

My review of “The Dam Busters” on Twitter, Follow the bouncing bomb as it helps the Brits defeat the Germans in WWII. A little over earnest but no less fascinating. 8 (out of 10)

“The Dam Busters” was one of those movies that just showed up in my mailbox. I didn’t know what to expect. It was a pleasant surprise. Sure it’s got that earnest “let’s-win-it-for-the-allies” attitude. But unlike many WWII movies that celebrate the camaraderie and heroism, “The Dam Busters” is about the brains. In this case, Dr. Barnes Wallis, a determined inventor who insisted that he had a way to get bombs past the nets and mines protecting Germany’s dams. He would skip them across the surface of the water just like a rock skips across a pond. It was just crazy enough to work. And it did. Even still, it sounded so unbelievable I did some investigating and found this footage on YouTube.

Actual dam busters footage:

“The Dam Busters” movie trailer:

“The Dam Busters”

Released: 1955

Rating: NR

Length: 120 minutes

Cast: Richard Todd, Michael Redgrave, Ursula Jeans, Basil Sydney

Director: Michael Anderson

Genre(s): Drama, Adaption, Historical