Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

     It's a sad thing when the title, the release date, and the advertising do their movie no justice.  Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is actually a pretty good movie.  There are no ridiculous twists to keep track of.  It's a the simply the fifty year old tale of America vs. Russia.  Keep in mind this isn't your parent's Jack Ryan.
      This time around, played by Chris Pine, Jack Ryan is brought into the modern post-911 world.  Ryan who was studying economics before the attacks enlists into the marines, and is soon injured on the field.  He slowly recovers and finds himself still a valuable asset now for the CIA looking into money trails of their enemies.
     Ryan is sent on a mission to uncover a Russian plan to destroy America where he must use his brains ad fighting skills to stay alive and save the day.
     The action is great, nothing too over the top.  The dialogue does get a bit spotty at times, it holds strong in the end leaving you rooting for more American heroes.

4/5 stars

Frozen

     Disney returns to a classic formula in their newest release of Frozen.  Don't be fooled though, they have once again updated their character development, no longer allowing the women to need to be rescued by a dashing prince.  Frozen is an ensemble of new, wonderful songs, and delightful side characters that will surely be popping up throughout the Disney universe.
     The movie centers around Anna and Elsa, two sisters and princesses that have been locked away in their castle their entire childhood because Elsa has a magical power.  She can turn things to ice and the danger of her hurting others like her sister could make her a monster in the eyes of the people.  After an incident with Elsa's power turning the kingdom into an eternal winter, Anna joins with Kristoff to find her and fix everything.  Along the way the lovable snowman, Olaf, joins the groups for pure entertainment.
     The movie turns out quite enjoyable.  At first, it seems like the biggest problem is simply bad parenting.   But in the end villains are revealed, and Anna must find a way to convince Elsa to save the day.
    Olaf will be a welcomed new addition to Disney's character line-up.  His spunky attitude and ability to manipulate his snow body steal the show in ever scene he's in.
    Check out Frozen in theaters while you still can.

4/5 stars

The Movie that Christmas Forgot

Gremlins

     Turn on all your lights, and start the fire.  Gremlins are here.  Gremlins is the tale of a father trying to surprise his son with a wonderful Christmas gift, a mogwai.  But this creature comes with rules.  Never get it wet, do not let it out in the sun, and never ever feed it after midnight.  One mistake and before you know it your life is falling apart gremlin by gremlin.

     What better way to celebrate Christmas than a story of greed, consumerism, and the way it brings us all together.  

With Christmas just around the corner you're probably thinking to yourself, "What movies should I watch?"  You can dust off the old classics, Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, Elf, It's a Wonderful Life, and more.
But if you're looking to change it up a bit, here could be a new addition to your line up.

Rocky Balboa must defend the honor of America against the red enemies of Russia.  It's a heart breaking journey for the Italian Stallion as he loses a friend and has to leave home for Russia to confront the dreaded Ivan Drago.  They will main event Christmas day and the fate of the cold war itself lies in his gloves.

Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th part 7: New Blood

     Celebrate this wonderful holiday with one of the overlooked Friday the 13th sequels.  I have to hand it to the 13th franchise.  Six movies behind them all consisting around the story idea of a murder at the same camp.  Granted two of them had non Jason Voorhees killers, but seriously people need to stop going to that area.  

     This time around they don't change up the killer.  They change up the hero.  Tina Shepard goes to Camp Crystal Lake to relive her childhood trama only to discover she has telekinetic abilities.  Then she unknowingly releases Jason from his chains at the bottom of the lake.  It's up to her and her new found powers to put him back.

     It's really brilliant.  The villain is indestructible for no real reason.  You might as well even the playing field a bit for our hero.  It also features my favorite look for Jason from any of the other 13th films.  (Jason X comes in a close second.)

    New Blood marks a changing of idea in the series.  While the rest of the films were mostly misses it certainly doesn't lose points for lack of trying.  

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

      Settle in, folks.  You'll be in the theater for a while.  Bilbo, Gandolf, and company have returned to continue their journey to the Lonely Mountain and help Thorin claim his throne as King Under the Mountain.
      If you've seen any of the previous Lord of the Ring trilogy or the first Hobbit film then you know what to expect from The Desolation of Smaug.  The action bounces from exciting to comical almost on the turn of a dime.  We're taken to several towns further world building of Middle Earth.  And new characters arise that steal the show.
     Benedict Cumberbatch is wonderful as the dragon Smaug.  Like Andy Serks as Gollum, Cumberbatch will be the talk of the show.  The smugness and self-righteous oozes out of Smaug.  Which is also a testament to the cgi creators.
     The only problems with the film are Gandolf's side story.  He splits off to journey across the land to discover the return of Sauron.  While the drama is played up its less impactful.  We know he is not going to be able to prevent the return of Sauron.  All Gandolf is doing is explaining to the audience character set-ups for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.  Most of which are, "This is really evil."
     Also since this is only two of three.  Do not get excited for any kind of conclusion.  While the first Hobbit may have ended on a low note in the journey.  Desolation of Smaug ends with a massive cliffhanger.
   
4/5 stars

Thor: The Dark World

  It's time to gear up yet again for the Marvel Universe.  Thor is back and this time better than ever.  While the first Thor may have been lackluster in many eyes, Thor:  The Dark World makes up for that.   Which isn't that hard, mind you.  It's not that Thor was a bad movie.  But the creators have now had two movies to see what their strengths are.  
  Asgard comes to life and looks as inhabitable as any location on Earth.  It's touched upon a couple of times in the movie, but the visual really sends it home.  These are not benevolent gods that simply watch over mankind.  They are people too, that simply live much longer and are more powerful.
  Loki also returns and he steals the show.  Tom Hiddleston revels as the trickster god.  He dances through the plot never sure what side of the line he is on.
  The only real gripe is the ending being very Hollywood.  Which isn't really a problem, just a "I've seen this before," complaint.
  The cast also shines with surprisingly Natalie Portman being the weakest link.  It's sad to see so many great actors in minor roles.  Though they did give Idris Elba a larger part of the story from the original.  if only we could see more of Thor's cast in the other Marvel movies.
  Also, don't forget to hang around through the credits.  Marvel continues to lay down the seeds for future movies, possibly Avengers 3?
  Check it out in theaters.  Go ahead and save yourself a few bucks and op for 2D.  There is nothing special for 3D.

4/5 stars.