Trailer Reaction - Toy Story 3

I was 9 years old when I first saw Toy Story. I was 13 when I saw Toy Story 2. I'll be 23 by the time I get to see Toy Story 3. The fact that the Toy Story universe shares the same time-line as ours, that Andy grew up the same as us makes this franchise even more special. This is the series that started a revolution of animated films as Toy Story was the first ever computer-generated animated film and put Pixar on the map of the film industry. And after 10 years of Pixar's even more sophisticated and maturing creations from The Incredibles to Wall-E, it would be about time to check on what the toys are up to. I may have grown up, but its never too old to check on Woody and Buzz.

The trailer begins with a nostalgic taste ala watching an old VHS tape of little Andy delightfully playing with his toys. Pixar is well-known to strike up emotions as a beautiful song by Randy Newman plays over the montage of Andy playing while growing up. The hard impact is when it shows Andy now in his 20s and is getting ready for college. And man, how he's grown up. Woody and Buzz had stated that they'll be ready when Andy reaches that time and now that time is closing by. Personally I would just bring the toys to college along, but what will Andy do to this favorite toys... well we find out he dumps them at the local pre-school and that dynamic has shifted when the little tots starts torturing the toys. Kinda like Sid in the first movie. The toys won't stand for such treatment and so they plan to break out. And thats all we know from this point. This is probably the first theatrical trailer and will be learning more about the story from the next clips and trailers. It ends with Buzz gets damaged and was reset into spanish mode. This part was worrying for me as it may retain the same subplot from the earlier two movies where Buzz thinks he's an actual space ranger. Hopefully that gag will be short.

Of course I'm gonna see this, just based on two simple factors. One - its Pixar and you should be trusting Pixar long ago. Has Pixar ever fail on you before (and Cars wasn't that bad)? Two - its Toy Story. I always choose this franchise over Shrek's. Shrek may have laughs, but Toy Story has heart. And it doesn't feel like an overused cash cow. I'll be like an 9 year old kid when I get to see this latest installment.

Watch the trailer below

Mini Reviews - G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra

An elite military unit comprised of special operatives known as G.I. Joe, operating out of The Pit, takes on an evil organization led by a notorious arms dealer.

Well.... that wasn't bad as I thought it would be. It still sucks, but it didn't turned out to be much of a stinkhole as Transformers 2 would be.

The story is still as short and stupid for such a proposed big movie and the CG is still horrible looking just like Hasbro's movie companion. But it is straight-forward and safe-viewing as you won't be dealing the type of d*uchebaggery Michael Bay puts in his films. You'll be looking at some pretty decent and colorful performances from the cast such as Joseph Gordon-Levitt being all evil and crazy. There are many many stupid and illogical moments and plotholes, but the distractions, unlike Transformers 2, are actually nice to look at and it can be forgiven for that. And the action sequences are actually pretty well. So in a way, yes! G.I Joe is WAY better than the sh*tty Transformers movies. I wouldn't want to see it again, but if someone puts a gun to my head to choose out of the two, I'll choose the lesser of two evils.

So for the people of G.I. Joe, I'm sorry that I have been bad-mouthing you ever since I saw the first teaser.

2 and a half out of 5 stars

Mini Reviews - I Love You, Man

I Love You, Man

A successful real estate agent, who upon getting engaged to the woman of his dreams, Zooey, discovers, to his dismay and chagrin, that he has no male friend close enough to serve as his Best Man. Peter immediately sets out to rectify the situation, embarking on a series of bizarre and awkward "man-d... (read more) A successful real estate agent, who upon getting engaged to the woman of his dreams, Zooey, discovers, to his dismay and chagrin, that he has no male friend close enough to serve as his Best Man. Peter immediately sets out to rectify the situation, embarking on a series of bizarre and awkward "man-dates," before meeting Sydney Fife, a charming, opinionated man with whom he instantly bonds. But, the closer the two men get, the more Peter's relationship with Zooey suffers, ultimately forcing him to choose between his fiancee and his new found "bro," in a story that comically explores what it truly means to be a friend.

It is your typical romantic comedy with first dates, blossoming relationships and the separation and reunion. But this time, its guy love. Between two guys. You come across the usual gang from the school of Apatow such as Segel and Rudd, coming off from last year's "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". As with rom-com, it can be predictable and follows along the formula, but the concept is done very cleverly and carefully as if it is satirizing the rom-com genre and it can be forgiven. Usually with Apatow films, it is much geared with the male demographic, but for this one, this is very female friendly. And for once, we don't get to see Jason Segel's junk!

4 out of 5 stars

Mini Reviews - Coraline

Coraline

A young girl walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life - only much better. But when her adventure turns dangerous, and her counterfeit parents (including Other Mother) try to ke... (read more) A young girl walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life - only much better. But when her adventure turns dangerous, and her counterfeit parents (including Other Mother) try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home - and save her family.

This is a scary bedtime story both kids and adults will enjoy. And told through the magical arts of stop-motion animation. We rarely see this kind of animation nowadays with CG movies dominating the animation genre. The creative mind behind "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "James And The Giant Peach" brought a very wonderful and very creepy tale that will undoubtedly give you goosebumps. Although the cast will need to be getting used to and the pacing can test audiences, its the creepiness and darkness that brings you such glee and delight. And you will be amaze how much blood, sweat and tears are put into these complex and wonderful animation sequences that you'll see how stop-motion is so magical. It is best to watch while tucked in bed and pulling up your blankets.

4 out of 5 stars

Mini Reviews - Terminator Salvation

Terminator Salvation

After Skynet has destroyed much of humanity in a nuclear holocaust, a group of survivors led by John Connor struggles to keep the machines from finishing the job.

You know I have come to expecting hating this latest chapter in the Terminator series. Especially when you have a director with a stupid name who is responsible for those stupid Charlie's Angels films (I still hate them now and will always hate them), will be reigning the latest in one of the most beloved sci-fi/action series. But in the end, I would be very dishonest if I tell you I didn't enjoy this film.

It is still not mind-blowing as the always perfect Terminator 2, but it does bring a little something new to the series while retaining a good old action movie. One problem is that everyone may want to focus on top-billing Christian Bale playing John Connor when the story really centers around Sam Worthington's character, Marcus Wright. And his big surprise would have such a good effect on the film if it hadn't been revealed from the beginning of the film's promotion. But it is kind of a downer that we don't get enough of John Connor as this new entry should be his chronicle in his fight against the machines. But Marcus is a good addition to the Terminator series. The action sequences have a good mix of real-war battle atmosphere with those old school action style so reminiscent of the Terminator series. The cast were ranged from bland to average with Worthington giving the best performance. And it is very appreciative that the film focuses on the story rather than the spectacles of CG or explosion.

This new addition to the Terminator series ranks higher than Terminator 3 and should be checked out by the fans.

3 out of 5 stars

Mini Reviews - Monsters vs. Aliens

Monsters vs. Aliens

When a meteorite from outer space hits a young girl and turns her into a giant monster, she is taken to a secret government compound where she meets a ragtag group of monsters also rounded up over the years

It is made what it made out to be in the first place - a fun, harmless kids animated movie. Dreamworks are at times a hit and miss, but they know how to entertain the audience... or know how to keep them occupied.

The character designs for the human are ok, balancing more towards realistic than cartoonish. The designs for the monsters are indeed clever, using references and inspirations from 1950s B monster movies like The Fly and The Blob. And 1950s B monster movie references you will be see everywhere in this film. While the random current references are on the low, the monster references are not splatter over the place and are placed cleverly and discreetly. The plot is pretty much simple and straightforward and the voice acting provide A-list talents like Seth Rogan and Will Arnett. Though Witherspoon is the weakest of the cast, not really giving enough spark for her role. The action sequences are fun, but somehow tamed and uncreative.

Kids will like this and adults will have no problem watching this.

2 and a half out of 5 stars

Mini Reviews - Munich

Munich

'Munich' recounts the dramatic story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre -- and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who leads it.

Been wanting to see this for a long time, but haven't got around to. But now I finally did.

Steven Spielberg isn't just doing big budget blockbuster, but also does little art projects. Many important themes are brought in this little gem such as revenge, paranoia and honor, especially focusing on the big concept of "eye for an eye". As the squad of Jew assassins pick off the terrorist members one by one, you observe on how their actions have take a toll on each other, their minds and their loyalty. Who they trust can be untrustworthy. When will it end.

Eric Bana blends seemlessly as Jew asskicker, Avner with Daniel Craig at his side. The espionage/assassination sequences are well done and bring up great tension and suspense. At close to three hours, it is a stretch for the audience. Very recommended.

4 out of 5 stars