The Dark Knight Rises (2:45) 2012

Of all the superheroes, Batman is not high on my list of favorites. I have always liked his alter ego, Bruce Wayne and his high society living. My uncertainity about Batman is that I really don't care for dark movies, movies that take place at night or in the shadows. I do have to say that I really did like this latest version. Although it is long, the action and dialogue keeps the viewers engaged. The film picks up as Batman has kept to himself for eight years, taking the blame for popular Harvery Dent's death. He also has a shattered knee and walks with a cane.  A new villain, Bane arrives to "liberate" the people of Gotham. Batman rises to the challenge with the help of a young police officer, Blake and Catwoman. Blake is (Gordon-Levitt) is an orphan having lost his parents early in life so we know where this is eventually going. Catwoman (Hathaway) was a sexy jewel thief who really did have a conscience and Batman's mother's necklace. This summer's most anticipated movie doesn't disappoint, it truly rises to the top.

Beasts of the Southern Wild (1:31) 2012

This is the summer of very different movies and Beasts of the Southern Wild is one of the best examples. The movie was filmed in Louisiana and has exquisite scenery, except for the shots of the industrial complex. Hushpuppy is an adorable, imaginative six year old who lives in The Bathtub with her heavy drinking father, Wink. The Bathtub is based on the low lying Isle de Jean Charles. The residents of the Bathtub are very poor and isolated but are a close knit community who believe in celebrating life. A big storm comes and many residents do not survive. Wink and Hushpuppy are among the survivors who are forcibly evacuated. The survivors join others at a shelter. Wink is seriously ill, actually dying, but the group decides to break out and return to the Bathtub. I took Beasts of the Southern Wild as a cautionary tale of poverty and global warming. When the oceans rise, many of the poor will be the first to perish. Those who do survive will do much better than most of the middle and upper class whose survival skills are not well honed. This is a highly recommended film, the six year old unknown actor is fantastic.

The Amazing Spider-Man (2:17) 2012

The good news: the cast was wonderful. Sally Field and Martin Sheen as Aunt May and Uncle Ben were great picks for Peter's family. I am a big fan of Andrew Garfield and thought he had a sheepish and appealing smile. Although he is twenty-eight, he was believable as a high school student. Emma Stone portrayed his girlfriend Gwen, who is actually was first girlfriend in the comics. The story starts with Peter as a little boy just as his parents are escaping from danger. The who and what of the danger is unknown the and now. The flashback was an effective way to start the film, however, I thought the first hour of the movie dragged in places. Spider-Man evolves into a crime fighting super hero wanted by the police. He does battle with a Giant Lizard who once was Dr. Curt Connors, his father's partner in cross genetics research. We saw the movie in 3D and it was worth the money to watch Spidey swinging from crane to crane in the Big
Apple. All in all, a pleasant way to spend a hot afternoon - sitting in the air conditioned darkness wearing 3D glasses rooting for Spider-Man. I felt like a kid again.

Ted (1:55) 2012

Is Ted crude and vulgar? Yes. Is Ted politically correct? No. Does it have bathroom humor? Yes. Will you laugh your head off? Absolutely, unless you are easily offended. Ted reminds me of past summer comedies - Bridesmaids and the year before, The Hangover. The audience can't help but laugh time and time again. John Bennett, a lonely friendless eight year old, receives Ted as a Christmas gift from his parents. He wishes for his bear to come alive and a shooting star makes the wish come true.One of the first scenes is John's parents reaction to the live stuffed bear. The audience just howled. Fast forward, John is now thirty-five and smokes pot, and drinks beer with his friend Ted. John has a going nowhere job at a car rental business but does a hot girlfriend of four years,  Lori isn't thrilled with the fact that her boyfriend has a best friend that is a stuffed animal, even though he does speak. Lori breaks off the relationship with her Peter Pan boyfriend and John is devastated. Ted sees his friend suffering and takes steps to bring the two together. Is it too little too late?Although there are lots of laughts, there is a serious part to the movie. Lori wants John to grow up but John cannot break away from his thunder buddy. I highly recommend Ted with the caveat that it does contain lots for vulgar language. But you can't help laugh.

300 (1:56) 2007

I had toyed with seeing 300 on the big screen as I was fascinated with the computer enhanced graphics and the style of the movie. My hestiation was that it was going to be very violent and bloody. And so it should be - it is the retelling of  the Battle of Thermopylae, the battle where 300 heroic Spartans stood to battle a much larger Persian Army. I just happen to come across it on television today and took the chance on seeing the five year old movie. It was graphically violent - heads literally rolled. Gerald Butler played the King of the Spartan army, both brave and wise as he leads his army against the Persians, winning battle after battle. King Leonidas was fighting for a cause -to live in freedom. When betrayed, he realizes that he and his men will be making a last stand and sends a wounded captain back to Sparta to tell the tale which still lives on today. The movie seems to be historically accurate and as violent as I expected. It was a good movie especially for history buffs.

A Mile in His Shoes (1:31) 2011

Dean Cain stars as Murph, a coach of a midwestern minor league baseball team. A car accident causes Murph to stop at a farm and discovers a pitcher with fantastic heat. The teenage boy Mickey comes with a  powerful throw. Cain wants to bring back to his team, the Rats, who are in desperate need of a pitcher. Mickey's parents are very protective of Mickey because he has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Murph promises to look out for him and soon the players on the team bond with Mickey. There is one exception - Lefty, the team's other pitcher who is jealous of Mickey's success. Lefty is up to no good when he invites Mickey to a party and has a girl lure him away from the party. Mickey is traumatized by his night in the woods alone and is not able to pitch just as the team is heading to the Championship. Will Mickey pull himself together in time to pitch in the Big Game?  This is an OK movie, its strength is in portrayal of Mickey and the challenges he faces - noise, crowds, and social relationships. I thought that Mickey's father was rather harsh but the ending showed that his dad was protective because he was afraid for Mickey. I love baseball movies so if your game is rained out someday, my suggestion is to stream this for an afternoon's entertainment.

Moonrise Kingdom (1:33) 2012

Think about the quirkest movie you have ever seen. Moonrise Kingdom will out quirky it. Bruce Willis, Ed Norton, Bill Murray and Frances McDormand are residents of an New England island community. (BTW, the film was shot in Rhode Island.) The Bishops' (Murray and McDormand) twelve year old daughter falls in love and runs away with a Khaki Scout named Sam. Once they are discovered missing, the entire island is out looking for them. Norton is the Scout Leader Ward who takes his troop to find Sam. The Sheriff, Captain Sharp (Willis) is looking for Suzy and Sam. This all takes place as a 1965 hurricane is about to strike making search and rescue attempts dangerous. When the truth about Sam is uncovered, Willis is willing to have Sam live with him if Sam and Suzy will be discovered and saved from the storm. Will Captain Sharp be a hero? Moonrise Kingdom is an odd little movie but it is fun. The setting and soundtrack support the cast,  both the veteran and young actors. It is hard movie to describe because it is so different but it is well done. It may not be everyone's cup ot tea but I do recommend it to all fans of quirky movies.