Epically Fun

When they mentioned that Epic was from the creators of Ice Age I was immediately intrigued... and I wasn't disappointed.  Epic offers a lot of family fun and adventure with jokes that are aimed at an older audience but appropriate for kids.  Even the old man in the seat behind me was laughing out loud.

When MK has to stay with her dad, she finds that communication is hard - particularly because he's obsessed with "another world" that no one believes really exists.  But the reality is that it not only exists, but MK is about to get a whole new perspective on life when she becomes the key to saving both worlds.

Filled with lots of action and adventure, laughs and excitement this one is good for the whole family and definitely worth the drive.  The 3D was good, but not necessarily worth the extra price of admission.  The issue with this movie in 3D is the same as with many others that are animated.  If you have the technology to do 3D right, then do it!  3D is pointless without things flying at your face.  In this one it was minimal.  Again, it was okay, just not necessarily worth the extra amount - however much that is for you.

The Not-So-Great Gatsby

WARNING: I don't like the story to begin with.  So why bother going to the movie?  First of all, don't.  But the reason I bothered was threefold.  I was told that it was truly worth the price of admission.  I heard that the perspective was unique.  Second, on rare occasions I have found that there are a few movies that I enjoy more than their book counterparts.  Third, I actually had business in a town where there was a great movie theater.

I understand the story of the Great Gatsby, and why it was written, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.  The movie had several weird scenes and the music, at times, was not compatible with the story.   Even though Leo DiCaprio is usually not an actor I enjoy watching, I thought he did a good job with the role.  Most of the actors  performed well here.  However, there were some scenes that were too lengthy - especially some of the party scenes.  I wouldn't bother with this one.  It's not worth the drive.

Star Trek: Into Darkness

This was yet another astounding and spell-binding performance by the cast and crew of the Enterprise.  I was glued to my seat throughout the entire performance and it left me almost literally breathless!  I try hard not to have spoilers on this blog, so I won't divulge the ending, but this was simply incredible!  I could not believe the storyline, the twists and the incredible characters here.

Chris Pine and the rest of the cast not only have a great chemistry, they really "get" the characters they are trying to portray.  This was even more evident in this film.  Benedict Cumberbatch as the villain was absolutely fantastic.  His passionate portrayal of John Harrison should at least earn him an Oscar nod.

The visual effects were amazing in this film.  One of the things I would highly recommend would be to see it in IMAX 3D.  It really does enhance the experience!  This one is worth the trip!

Iron Man Rumors

I've read the rumors that seem to be flying about whether or not Robert Downey Jr. will return for another Iron Man movie.  The opinion on this subject has varied considerably.  Personally?  There is NO WAY that the character of Iron Man would be able to continue successfully without Robert Downey Jr. playing the titular role.  He is Tony Stark and Tony is Iron Man.  There is no way that this character will be able to continue without him.  It would be hard to see another character fill the role of Iron Man other than Tony.  This option would be the least worst, should another actor have to take over.  The worst would being Marvel's choice to make another actor play the role of Tony Stark,  It just wouldn't fly.  I assure you that I'd think twice about seeing it.  There are so many Marvel characters out there.  Don't screw this one up!

Iron Man 3

As a huge Marvel fan, I knew I was going to watch this movie at a decent theater one way or another.  I just didn't know what to expect.  These days when you talk sequels - especially the third in a series, you tend to get a variety.  The chances are particularly slim that you'll have a result such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where it turns out to be the best in the series.

However... Iron Man 3 seems to have done just that.  This was not only action-packed, but the movie contained a relevant and compelling story that really attracted the audience.  The humor was back but the internal struggle for Tony Stark was just as intense as the external.  In the aftermath of The Avengers Tony has to deal with problems on many fronts.  His own fear is just as formidable as his new enemy "the Mandarin." 

This one was worth the ticket of admission and the drive down.  I highly recommend it.  I would even see it several times in theaters.  I don't know if the 3D was worth it because I was on a tight schedule on the drive down and back, but I'd try it.  Sometimes it's worth it for Marvel (The Avengers) and sometimes it's not (The Amazing Spiderman).  But the story for me was the key here and it's very compelling.