Turbo or Not To Go

While I'll admit that my seeing Turbo was a bit belated - one could almost say I got to see it at a snail's pace (thanks to my friend for the pun) - I cannot say that it lacked entertainment value.  But the source of my own entertainment within the movie was the same content that made it the absolute worst children's movie ever made for children.  I have to give you a bit of a spoiler alert here.  I'm going to disclose a few details about said content, but not the ending. 

To begin with, children will see multiple snails in Turbo's colony carried off by crows.  The only remark from their friends' being "Well, there goes Jerry."  It was shocking the first time, but was even more so the second and third times.  The little boy on the tricycle (who in one scene reminded me of the kid in The Shining) takes pleasure in running over living things with his trike and hearing them crunch. A life-skill kids can take away is that you can succeed by going viral.  Then if you get enough people to demand something, those in charge will give you what you want.  Another very important life lesson children can take away from this is that it's okay to steal money from your family as long as you're making a big gamble to follow your dreams - or at least as long as you feel justified.  You don't even have to apologize for it if you win!  And of course, you get to celebrate by drinking beer.  So while it was highly entertaining for three friends over 20 in a theatre full of little kids, I would not have taken my own kids if I ever have any nor would I recommend it for anyone else's kids.  It's worth the $1.50 that the this particular theatre charged, but otherwise save your money for better productions.

Lee Weeks Comic Book Art Exhibition

I know this is not a movie, but when an opportunity like this presents itself - especially for those of us living on the east coast - I really feel that I should share with those of you who deign to peruse my blog from time to time.  Graphic artist Lee Weeks who has worked for both Marvel and DC on beloved characters like Captain America, Thor, Batman, Daredevil, and Hulk.  Week's art is on display at Liberty University and there's a gallery FULL of his work on display.  This evening Mr. Weeks was at the opening of his show, signing autographs and talking with fans, students and teachers alike about his work.  Posters and paraphernalia were reasonably priced and personalized upon request.  The opening was worth the trek, but more the that, I recommend visiting the exhibit itself if you're near the area and have a genuine interest in comics or art, you should stop by.  The price is right as it's free and the opportunities are usually rare to see this kind of display with this large number of individual pieces.  Most of them are inks, but all of them are creative and unique.

The World's End

For those of you who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the "The Three Flavors Cornetto" trilogy's final installment, I hope you are less disappointed than I was.  While the movie was funny - how could it not be with the Pegg/Frost duo? - the film lacked the stories that made Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead so fun.  I won't spoil it for you, but something was lacking in the end of it.  Perhaps it the other characters who figured more prominently as protagonists than before. Perhaps it was the fact that my expectations were too high to begin with.  All in all, either wait for it to get to the dollar theater (if you have one and, less likely, if you're lucky enough to see it there) or better yet wait for it to hit Red Box.  You should see it.  It's just not worth the money for a regular theater.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

I'll admit it: I'm 27 years old and I love the Percy Jackson books.  I have since the first moment I picked one up in Wal-Mart about 5 years ago. I have always been fascinated by mythology and Riordan's writing is absolutely brilliant!   But of course this is a movie review, not a book review.  Despite the fact that they dramatically changed the ending of the movie as opposed to the book's version, I have to say that this movie was just fun.  It's much more entertaining than the last Percy Jackson attempt and the casting was pretty brilliant.  Stanley Tucci was a wonderful Dyonisis.  And I even think that the recasting of Chiron from Pierce Brosnan to Anthony Head worked extremely well.  I highly recommend it, even if you haven't read the books - or perhaps especially if you haven't.  If you have, then swallow expectations of what it should be and enjoy what it is.  It won't win an Oscar, but it will bring you two hours of fun entertainment.