Pitch Perfect

The central plot of “Pitch Perfect” has been done so often now that I’m going to start calling it “The ‘Sister Act’ Plot”. Random band/choir/and in this case, competitive a capella group, has become stale and set in their ways, and then a new member with fresh ideas insists on shaking things up and a power struggle ensues on the way to the championship/big event at the finale. I’ve seen that plot 600 times, in fact, this is the second time this year (the first being “Joyful Noise”).

In addition to the been there done that structure, “Pitch Perfect” is also filled with really broad comedic characters, and then peppered with a cappella group competitive routines… which, you can imagine, aren’t my cup of tea.

Still, the charms of the cast, and the humor that does land overcomes the weaknesses enough to tip the balance slightly in “Pitch Perfect”‘s favor.

End of Watch

Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña star as two hotshot LA cops who stumble onto cartel activity in their precinct. Undeterred, they charge full steam ahead, challenging the criminals head on.

Along the way, they demonstrate the courage it takes to be a police officer, and the bond that forms between partners.

There’s not much more to this film than that, but it winds up being enough. “End of Watch” is an entertaining cop drama with action to spare.

The 2012 Fall Movie Preview – Part II

Ok folks, here we go. Part II of the 2012 Fall Movie Preview. Today we’ll break down all the major releases on tap for the month of October, and the first week of November!

As you might imagine, it’s a diverse bunch. There are some ahead that look intriguing, and some that might as well be announcing that they’re garbage already, LOL. Let’s have a look and see if we can’t sort out what’s what!!

The 2012 Fall Movie Preview – Part I

With this weekend’s release of “The Expendables 2” and “ParaNorman”, the summer movie season is pretty much over. One weekend remains in August, and those movies wont have much room to run before school is back in session.

Nope, the season of the big blockbuster is behind us. It’s time to look ahead to the fall.

Not to despair, though, the fall brings sharp movies for the thinking movie fan. Movies which may have more selective box office appeal, but which may be some of the best movies all year.

So click through to take a look at the first part of this year’s fall preview. Today we’ll look at the last week of August, plus September, and then we’ll come back tomorrow with October and the first week of November. Together they’ll take us right up to the start of the Holiday movie season, and the November 9th release of Skyfall!

ParaNorman

“ParaNorman” is a stop motion animated movie about a young boy who can see, and speak to, the dead. The unpredictable situations that occur due to his abilities cause an enormous amount of social stigmatism for him. No one in his life believes him, and everyone feels that he’s odd.

Things change on the anniversary of the town’s famous Puritan era witch trial, when Norman is the only one equipped to face the challenges of the supernatural events that arise. Can he save the day?

It’s a charming and unique animated movie. Colorfully creepy for kids and fun for all ages, “ParaNorman” is a strong contender for my favorite animated film this year.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting

I was less than 20 minutes into this before I had to fight the urge to claw my eyes out.

Movies That Everyone Should See: “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”

After dipping into the classics well last week, I wanted to come back this week with something current. Something decidedly less heavy. Maybe a little more fun.

I decided on “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”.

50/50

I was SUPER skeptical of “50/50” going in. I figured the title was pretty apt –  that 50/50 was just about the chance I’d have of liking it.

I mean, a cancer comedy? To me, that just seemed like an insurmountable oxymoron. Those two things do NOT go together. Added to which my “Tearjerker Alert System” was going off like mad. DANGER! DANGER!

But, in light of my newfound responsibilities as a movie blogger, and in the wake of some extremely positive early reviews… I headed in to watch the story of a young man diagnosed with cancer, and his buddy who tries his best to help.

I’m glad I did.