Dramedy Movie Review

Fast & Furious Takes It To The Limit

2009-04-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

3 1/2 STARS

Cars. Speed. Action. The high octane series of the Fast and the Furious delivers with its fourth title in the series simply entitled Fast and Furious. As its taglines states, the film has been remodeled but still has all the original parts.

Fugitive & ex-con Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) is back and not under the best of circumstances. With his love, Leticia Ortiz murdered (Michelle Rodriguez), revenge is a must for Toretto who knows no other way. Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) now hired by the Feds, works to uphold the law, pushing the limits of his boundaries in nearly every way imaginable. Better to work together than apart, the two team up to take down their common enemies; the notorious drug lord, Braga (John Ortiz) and Ortiz's killer, Fenix Rise (Laz Alonso).

The film holds your attention from beginning to end due to the special effects and amazing stunts However, the plot is fairly simple and predictable. Though this kind of film isn't made to be a psychological thriller, you kind of wish for the fourth installment to really blow your mind. The effects come close but the plot and screenplay do not. The movie that's described as a new model with the original parts, may have only just undergone a paint job. (Rating from Rotten Tomatoes)

If cars, speed, and action is your thing, this movie will definitely fulfill your needs. It's a nice way to spend two hours and you don't have to view its past three films to understand this film. If none of this applies to you, don't waste your time. The 1/2 star goes to the special effects :)

Youtube delivers more behind-the-scenes footage on the fast cars and fearless females of this new film.

Check it Out! Future Movie News

2009-04-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

Do you remember your favorite childhood stories? Tales of adventure that lulled you to sleep or kept you up wanting more, no matter how many times you've read it or had it read to you? Well, this famous tale may be one of those stories.

From the classic 1963 children's book written by Maurice Sendak comes the film adaptation directed by Spike Jonze; Where The Wild Things Are.

With great CGI, cinematic effects, live action, and animatronics, the land of the Wild Things is born on-screen. With an all-star cast of voice-over actors and actresses, the story of Max unfolds as the little mischievous boy is sent to his room for acting out towards his mother. In his room is where the adventure begins, as his imagination runs wild, and transports him to the land of the Wild Things where his imaginary monsters roam, and where he (naturally, being his world) reigns supreme.

The screenplay will not read like the book completely and is even rumored to have a PG-13 rating. However, considering it is a children's classic, that rating may be revised to suit the viewers it was originally made to entertain. The movie premieres in theaters October 16, 2009.

Tuesday New DVD Releases

2009-04-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

Another Tuesday edition of DVD releases for another week! This Tuesday's lineup may be just what you're looking for:

Doubt (Rated R)
Set in 1964, Academy Award winners Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman co-star together as Father Flynn and Sister/Principal Beauvier in Doubt, where the priest is suspected of abusing the first black student to attend the Bronx Catholic school. When Sister James (Amy Adams) tells Sister Beauvier of what she suspects the Father is doing, Beauvier stops it nothing to find the truth. Full of twists and turns, this gritty and gripping film will keep your attention from beginning to end.

The Day The Earth Stood Still (Rated PG-13)
A remake of the classic 1951 film, this all-new version stars Keanu Reeves as Klaatu, an alien who comes to Earth of its upcoming destruction. Doctor Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) comes to find out that this warning of danger from the alien who starts out being seen as a friend to the Earth is the very threat that could send the Earth into Armaggeddon.

The Tale of Desperaux (Rated G)
The modern fairy tale of Desperaux is a fun family-friendly flick everyone can enjoy. This little mouse with no fear and big ears is imprisoned for engaging in conversation with a human in the land of Mouseworld. Instead of living his life in fear he seeks a better way. Becoming friends with the kind Princess Pea, he begins to better himself by learning how to read and becoming educated. Especially enjoying books of knights, heroism, and chivalry, his friend Pea is kidnapped and only he can save his Princess, proving that heart and courage can come in the smallest of packages.

This Tuesday's New DVD Releases

2009-04-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

The final Tuesday in March 2009 ended with some solid choices for DVD purchases that you can enjoy at home anytime. Here's the lineup:

Marley & Me
Newlyweds John and Jenny Grogan (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) move from Michigan to our very own West Palm Beach, Florida to start a new life with their baby, a puppy named Marley. The twelve pound yellow Labrador, grows into a 100-pound canine that seemingly destroys everything in his path. Similar to a certain Saint Bernard predecessor (Beethoven), he flunks obedience school, chews off dry-wall, takes a bite out of the sofa, overturns garbage cans, steals a Thanksgiving turkey, consumes pillows and flowers, drinks toilet water, and chases the UPS guy. However, in the midst of it all, the couple's life is more enriching with Marley than without him.

Seven Pounds
Overridden with guilt in the newest dramatic film by movie titan Will Smith, this tale of burden, romance, and lost love is a strong performance for Will Smith as he plays Ben Thomas, an IRS agent with a mission to redeem his own soul by significantly changing the lives of seven strangers he chooses.

Slumdog Millionaire
The 8-time Academy Award winning movie dominated Oscar night in 2009 and now seeks DVD glory. Mumbai teenager Jamal Malik grew up in the slums but becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" and is on the verge of winning it all. However, after the end of the show's episode for the day, he is arrested under suspicion of cheating, and while being interrogated, events from his life history are shown which explain why he knows the answers.

Yes Man
Jim Carrey gets back to his comedic roots as Carl Allen, a guy whose life is going nowhere fast and has a nasty habit of saying "no" to everything. How we do solve the problem? Say "yes" to everything! Signing up for a self-help program based on saying "yes" to everything and anything begins to change his life in crazy and fortunate ways, from promotions at work to a new romance. However, he quickly learns that saying "yes" to everything may backfire in his face...or does it?

Movie of the Month: March (Your Top Choice?)

2009-04-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the new month of April 2009 as March 2009 has drawn to a close. As usual, we take this time to reflect back on the movies of the past month and you get to vote for your favorite. Voice your #1 choice pick of March along the left sidebar of your screen and see how your vote ranked among others. If your movie title isn't listed, click the Other category, vote, and comment on your favorite movie choice. Here's the list to choose from:

I Love You, Man
Knowing
Duplicity
Watchmen
Race To Witch Mountain
12 Rounds
Monsters vs. Aliens
The Haunting in Connecticut

Knowing is Not Worth Knowing

2009-03-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

1 STAR

Well, it looks like the first single star to go on a DMR movie review goes to Knowing. Let me break it down and tell you why you can wait to rent it or don't bother with it at all.

Nicolas Cage, a solid actor, seems to come up short in a film that starts out smart but ends with no panache. After uncovering a elementary school time capsule from 50 years ago, the 1959 artifacts are distributed to the students of the 2009 class. Young Caleb Koestler (Chandler Canterbury) brings his artifact home (a sheet of numbers) discovered by his father, John (Nicolas Cage), an MIT Professor who stumbles on a specific code of numbers detailing the dates, death tolls, and locations of every major disaster within the 50 past years. Sounds interesting. Here's where everything goes north.

The final three disasters said to take place on the sheet have yet to take place and the last one will result in the end of the world. The plot thickens. However, the ending will kill you. There's no imagination, no glimmer of hope, just utter abysmal ruin for all mankind. It's not even that Armageddon is involved, but the lack of vision to throw in some aliens to cheese it up when the majority of this film is grounded in reality.

Personally, I've said too much about this film, and don't want to elaborate on it in case you do go to see this film. However, you have been warned. Knowing is not worth knowing.

Want more on this doomsday flick? Pop Syndicate and Rotten Tomatoes have got the in-depth scoop. You should know though...we all happen to agree in different ways on how we feel about it.

Twilight's "New Moon" Part II

2009-03-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

After Tuesday's release of Twilight on DVD, actress Kristen Stewart takes on the next installment in the series, "New Moon". The second of the chronological novels written by Stephanie Meyer.

Entertainment Tonight reports Stewart's thoughts on 'New Moon,' saying she's "really excited," but it's "a big job."

"It's a lot different, also, from the first," she adds. "It's a very different story. A lot happens: [Bella] doesn't have [Edward] anymore, and she's also in a place where she has to step up and kind of become more mature, and to see her deal with life without him is going to be interesting. … It's all very epic and convoluted."

ET Online has a streaming video interview into Stewart's film, "New Moon", and other upcoming projects.

Remembering Natasha Richardson (1963-2009)

2009-03-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

I first saw this lovely lady in the 1998 movie, The Parent Trap, the remake of the classic film by Hayley Mills.

I am now sad to report another thespian has tragically left us in an accident.

Natasha Richardson, died Wednesday from a blow to the head in a skiing accident in Quebec, Canada at age 45. Her death wasn't automatic and the impact seemed like a minor bump on the head. However, within an hour of the accident, she began to complain about headaches and was taken to a nearby hospital and then transferred to a Montreal hospital for further treatment. Neeson rushed from Toronto, where he was shooting a film, to be by his wife's side.

The seemingly minor injury turned severe, leaving her brain dead, and she was transferred to New York's Lenox Hill Hospital. Family and friends were by her bedside at that time. She was later taken off life support and passed away early Wednesday evening.

Today's reports by the New York City medical examiner's office have stated that cause of death was an "epidural hematoma due to blunt impact to the head."

Richardson leaves behind her husband Liam Neeson and her two sons, Michael (14) and Daniel (13).

Reports of Hollywood remembering the talented actress can be seen at Sky News.

Are Music and Movies Expendable?

2009-03-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

That's the question. Are music and movies expendable?

Apparently they are, when the hip-hop industry's 50 Cent teams up with legend Sylvester Stallone for the new movie, The Expendables.

In an surprising move, Fitti will replace Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker..... uh, say what! Yes, it's true, the Oscar winner had prior commitments and had to walk away after a month of shooting. However, Stallone who also directs the action film, isn't worried one bit.

MTV.com reports that Stallone wrote to AICN to say "the anger of the casting of 50 Cent is understandable, but not fair. A player is only as good as his coach. If a man can communicate in one medium, he can communicate in another if his strengths are brought out and he has the support of well-wishers. So, trust me, the change of Forest Whitaker to 50 Cent a.k.a. Curtis Jackson is a good one."

He backed up that statement reminding the public about characters in the Rocky series played by Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Dolph Lundgren, Richard Crenna & Mr. T. They weren't first draft picks either.

The Expendables will have an all-star cast featuring 2009 comeback sensation, Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler), Jason Statham, Jet Li and Stallone himself as Barney "The Schizo" Ross. Dolph Lundgren, the Russian from the classic Rocky IV, and the "Governator", legend Arnold Schwarzenegger are rumored to appear in the film as well.

Filming begins March 28, 2009. Look out for Stallone's new action-packed film next year!

March 20, 2009- New Release Friday!

2009-03-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

The weekend is one day away my friends, so you know what that means. It's time we find out what's premiering this weekend at the movies!

First up for comedy, we have I Love You, Man starring Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and Andy Samberg. Without giving too much away, Peter Klaven (Rudd) is a successful realtor, getting ready to marry his sweetheart Zooey (Rashida Jones) but has no one to take the title of Best Man at his wedding. Thus, his search begins for the "best" man he can find to be his number one and comedy ensues with one funny "man-date" after the other. However, will the man that the groom chooses clash with his bride?

Next, is the dramatic thriller, Knowing starring Nicolas Cage. After uncovering a elementary school time capsule from 50 years ago, the 1959 artifacts are distributed to the students of the 2009 class. Young Caleb Koestler (Chandler Canterbury) brings his artifact home (a sheet of numbers) to his father, John (Nicolas Cage), an MIT Professor who stumbles on a specific code of numbers detailing the dates, death tolls, and locations of every major disaster within the 50 past years.

Even more disturbing is the fact that three disasters have yet to take place being and the last one will result in the end of the world! Solution: Change the final outcomes, save the world!

Last, for some action mixed in with a dose of comedy is Duplicity, starring Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. The duo are former spies turned corporate operatives in a love affair amidst being involved in a high stakes game of espionage. Sounds like a lot to handle! However, the duo has a great chemistry, making this banter and thrilling plot fun to watch.

There's the scoop on what to watch this weekend! Go get your ticket and enjoy the show!

This Just In: New Movie News!

2009-03-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

(Green Lantern Corps)

Production Weekly reports that Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Comics will begin work on their next big-budget superhero film, Green Lantern.

(Original GL: Alan Scott)

GL was created in 1940 and has taken on the identities of various comic-book characters over the years from the original, Alan Scott, to Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, John Stewart, Kyle Rayner, and Jade (daughter of Alan Scott).

(GL: Hal Jordan)

It is most likely that the film will star comic-book character Hal Jordan, as he is the most famous GL within the DC Comics Universe and the Green Lantern Corps, the intergalctic police force in which the various characters of the Green Lantern are afiliated.

Production will begin mid-September in Australia.

St. Patrick's Day Flashback: Leprechaun!

2009-03-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! Today, it felt fitting to do a flashback to a cult classic from yesteryear that runs with the theme of this green day. The movie is the 1993 film, Leprechaun, a horror tale that will make you view leprechauns in a twisted way.

Fair warning; hold on to your lucky charms because this horror flick starring Warwick Davis (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Narnia) and Jennifer Aniston (Friends, Marley & Me, Bruce Almighty) could mess you up.

Dan O'Grady (Shay Duffin) comes back to the States from Ireland with a stolen pot of gold and is ready to enjoy his riches. However, the leprechaun has a personal vendetta and has followed him across the pond to retrieve his pot of gold. O'Grady barely escapes with his life but manages to trap his small hunter in his basement. Ten years after the incident, a father and daughter (Aniston) moves into the home, the leprechaun is freed, and angry from his decade of imprisonment, shows no mercy to any human life that gets in his path of retreving his stolen pot of gold.

Prepare to be scared! Rent Leprechaun at Blockbuster or Netflix or buy the film at Bestbuy.com today!

Upcoming DVD Releases on St. Patty's Day!

2009-03-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday as you celebrate St. Patrick's Day and wear your festive green, there are new DVD releases for the kids, teens, and adults to look out for that may catch your eye. Here are the top three releases for this week:

First up, for the kids, we have Bolt, the TV superhero canine who really thinks he has superpowers. Growing up on the set of his telelevision show his whole life, the story unfolds where he has been removed from the set by accident and discovers the real world. This fun film with voiceovers from John Travolta as Bolt, Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus as Penny, and a hilarious hamster, Rhino, played by Susie Essman, tells the tale of a pup discovering the truth and himself, and finding his way back home.

Next, for the tweens and teens is the hit film, Twilight, thanks to the successful novel written by Stephanie Meyer and starring Harry Potter lady heartthrob, Robert Pattinson. The idea is simple; girl moves to new city, doesn't quite fit in, meets a male vampire, and falls in love. Wait...what? The love affair between human and vampire takes on a forbidden nature similar to that of Romeo and Juliet. Girls who are into romance with a funky twist will probably be drawn to this blood-sucking film. Although, this film has been known to suck the life out of some who watched it, as shown in the 5 Reasons You'll Hate the movie 'Twilight'.

Last, for the adults who can handle the carnage, is the new Punisher film, War Zone. Starring Ray Stevenson as the Punisher aka Frank Castle, he takes on one of his toughest villains yet; the mob boss & comic-book assassin known as Jigsaw. Castle is now six years seasoned in his role of the anti-hero. From the guilt of killing an FBI agent, he contemplates retirement from his vigilante work. However, when Jigsaw targets the fallen agent's family, he seeks to make amends for what he has done and stop him. This revenge driven flick is not for the squeamish.

Superherohype.com has a special DVD clip for more into the film and the villain, Jigsaw.

Movie of the Month: February (Your Top Choice?)

2009-03-04T06:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to DM Review's March Edition! Yours truly has been out for about a week due to sickness. After I became sick, I was informed there's a virus going around...
I would've never guessed that...
Fortunately, the virus told me first hand.
Lucky me.
Thanks.

Anyway, that's the scoop on me being away, but I'm back in full swing to dish up the Dramedy News that keeps you movie buffs coming back for more. Let's start our March Edition of news with reviewing February's movies in our: Movie of the Month Poll.

What was your favorite movie in the month of February? If your movie title isn't listed, click the Other category, vote, and comment on your favorite movie choice. Check the left sidebar panel for voting options.

And The Winner Is...

2009-02-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

The 81st Annual Academy Awards have drawn to a close and it was quite a spectacle. Many great moments happened during the show from acceptance speeches to musical performan ces.

Among the top winners were the late Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight (Why he was not included in the In Memoriam segment I will never know...) Also, Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Kate Winslet in The Reader, Sean Penn for Milk, and Best Picture belonging to the overwhelmingly succesful, Slumdog Millionaire.

ABC's co ve r age of the Acade my Awards has everything you need concerning Oscar and the winners in each category.

Fashionistas be sure to enjoy E! Entertainm ent's coverage of the Red Carpet and all the best and worst dresse d s tars on Hollywood's biggest night.

This Week's New DVD Releases

2009-02-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

The new DVD releases out for this week range from top A-list actors in Hollywood to the teen superstars of the silver screen.

Body of Lies, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russel Crowe is the spy thriller directed by acclaimed director, Ridley Scott.

DiCaprio plays a CIA agent who is searching for terrorists bombing in the land of Jordan. Aided by his supervisor (Crowe) the two seek to bring the terrorist group down but can DiCaprio's allies be trusted?

Next is Changeling, starring actress and United Nations ambassador, Angelina Jolie, under the direction of living legend Clint Eastwood.

Based on a true story from back in the 1920s, Jolie plays a hurting mother who has had her young son abducted. However, when he is said to be found, she suspects cover-up and misconduct as she does not believe the boy to be her real son.

Last, we have the Grease for a new era. The final chapter of High School Musical 3: Senior Year is here!

Starring all the original cast members: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, and Monique Coleman, their senior year proves to be the toughest time for the high-school clique as they prepare to graduate.

Will Troy and Gabriella (Efron/Hudgens) stay together? Will the group break up? What will be the future of the crew? Are they going to college? Will Chad and Troy (Bleu/Efron) remain the best of friends? Will Sharpay (Tisdale) stay fabulous?

All these pressing questions and more are answered in the final piece of the high school trilogy. Tapeworthy has more insights into this high-energy song and dance film.

By the way, there will be no College Musical. Sorry kids.

The Friday Night Movie Pick of the Week!

2009-02-19T11:14:00.000-08:00

Opening Feb. 20, 2009 is the new Tyler Perry movie, Madea Goes to Jail starring Tyler Perry as Made a, David and Tamela Mann, Derek Luke, and Keshia Knight-Pulliam.

From Perry's play of the same name, this comedy is sure to bring the funny as Madea is sent to jail after being chased on the highway by police. As her family supports from outside her prison bars, Madea has the chance to speak into a young woman's life in need of a change.

Madea is as crazy as they come, from packing heat to not hesitating to knock someone's head off for getting in her way. However, for all her craziness is an equal part of wisdom that is always worth listening to.

This movie, all produced by the mind of Tyler Perry, combines the comedy, love, and wisdom that has been essential to his wonderful movies and plays. This fresh Madea movie will make you laugh, learn, and love.

If you enjoy this film, you'll enjoy many more of Tyler Perry's plays and videos.

Looking Back on Yesteryear: Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins

2009-02-19T10:17:00.000-08:00

In the month of February of last year (Feb. 8 2008), the premiere of Welcome H o me Roscoe Jenkins (Rated PG-13) came to a theater near you. This hilarious comedy starring Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer, Mo'Nique, Michael Clarke Duncan, Mike Epps, and James Earl Jones is a must see for those who love to laugh.

Martin Lawrence plays famous talk-show host, RJ Stevens, who gains acclaim for his book entitled "The Team of Me." His philosophy has kept him distant from his family as he built his own success from the ground up. But when he returns to his home for his parents 50th Anniversary & family reunion, he comes back to a tough-loving family that raised him and reminds him to never forget where you've come from.

The Critical Critics Rev iew has an opposite critique from my own that may be worth taking a look. Side Note: Check out their grading scale; it's the shiznit!

This comedy about the power of family is one you may want to add in your collection or rent at your local Blockbuster or Netflix.

The International Has Landed in the USA

2009-02-18T16:54:00.000-08:00

3 STARS

The International (Rated R) starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts is a smart thriller that doesn't lack "juevos" if you know what I mean.

Interpol agent Louis Salinger (Owen) goes above and beyond his call of duty to bring to justice a corrupt and powerful bank that funds war and terror.

Teamed up with New York assistant DA, Eleanor Whitman (Watts), the two travel around the world in attempts to bring this illegal funding to a permanent close against an opposition who doesn't take it lightly by any means.

Full of action, thrills, and an intelligent plot that will make you wonder just how can this duo pull this off, The International is not for the squeamish or the mind-drifters.

Stay focused on the twists and turns the film will take, and you'll leave a satisfied viewer.

Entertainment Weekly & Rotten Tomatoes reviews have different takes on this thriller that may help your decision on viewing this film.

The 81st Annual Academy Awards & The Race for Oscar!

2009-02-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

They're off! The nominees for Oscar are here and it's a stellar line-up. Among the top contenders is Mickey Rourke, a comeback seasoned vet. After 14 years of battling personal problems, authority issues, and matters that Rourke describes on Charlie Rose as "past childhood shame and abandonment," he is back to take his place as a respected actor in the industry. His movie, The Wrestler has been gaining major notoriety especially after his Golden Globe win. (I'm rooting for ya Mickey!)

Also, seasoned veteran Sean Penn (one of my favorite actors) stars in the movie Milk as San Francisco gay activist, Harvey Milk. His performance has also gained critical acclaim, and he is held in high-esteem as an actor that is one of the best of his generation.

Last, the late gr eat Heath Ledger, in his final full-length feature role as the Joker in The Dark Knight, 2008's biggest summer blockbuster and the second biggest box-office smash only to 1997's Titanic. His phenomenal portrayal of the Joker is the darkest yet and the most complete in reference to the comic-book villain. Regardless of this movie being a superhero film, his performance is well-deserving of Oscar glory.

With so many great performances from this year's Academy Award nominees including Brad Pitt, Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep, Josh Brolin, Angelina Jolie, Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei, Taraji P. Henson, and much more, The 81st Academy Awards is sure to have one of its best years yet.

For everything Oscar, go to www.oscar.com and be sure to watch the Oscars on Feb. 22 at 8pm ET/ 5 pm PT on ABC.

Charlie Rose has more informative & in-depth interviews into Oscar's top contenders that are worth the view.

Are You Looking for the Funny or the Scary?

2009-02-12T10:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the dreaded day of Friday the 13th!

Oh please. Don't buy into the hype. You have choices. If you do go for the scary, here is tomorrow's scary movie preview to the madness.

Friday the 13th (Rated R) starring Jared Padalecki, Amanda Righetti, and Danielle Panabaker is a revamp of the horror franchise as the hockey-mask psychopath known as Jason goes on a killing spree where a group of friends go camping on Crystal Lake.

This not a film for kids. I repeat this is not a film for kids. Expect the gore, sexual content, and everything else you'd expect from this franchise. Comingsoon.net provides ample footage from trailers, interviews, and behind-the-scenes clips.

Also, new to theaters this weekend is a comedy for the ladies starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy in Confessions of a Shopaholic (Rated PG). Based on the best-selling novel by Sophie Kinsella, everything you need to know about the film lies in the title. Fisher plays a New York shopaholic that gets in way over her head with bills and dramedy ensues as it affects her life and relationships.

Sounds typical? Probably. If you absolutely must see more, here is the trailer:

Also, look out for The Pink Panther 2 that opened last week, February 6. Steve Martin (one of my favorite comedians) stars as the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau on a new case sure to be chock-full of comedy.

The film also stars a solid cast including Alfred Molina, Jermey Irons, John Cleese, and stunning Bollywood actress, Aishwarya Rai. (DMR rating: 5 STARS for Aishwarya Rai.)

Hollywood's Pair of Aces Take A New Journey Together

2009-02-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

2 1/2 STARS

If you've seen any commercial or trailer for this film, you know this isn't a feel good flick. However, that doesn't mean it is not a good film.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet star in the intense drama, Revolutionary Road (Rated R), their second movie together since the 1997 epic blockbuster, Titanic (DMR rating: 5 STARS).

An adaptation of the 1961 Richard Yates novel, the two play a young married couple in the 1950s. Unhappy and wanting to live life to the fullest, they desire to be free from a way of American life that has limitations.

However, when they find a way to be free and live their dreams, society and circumstance pulls them back and the flaws within the seemingly perfect pair come to the surface.

Directed by Sam Mendes (Winslet's real-life husband) this intense film depicts another interpretation of white-suburbia in the 1950s and that the mentality that society has is not so far from the way society is today.

This film is not for everybody. However, it has powerful acting and remains true to the realities people dealt with at the time. Strong language, sexual scenes, and brief nudity are a part of the film as well.

EW.com & Rotten Tomatoes movie reviews on Revolutionary Road are quite different and can help you determine whether to watch this film or not.

Weekend Movie Premieres- February 6, 2009

2009-02-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

New to cinemas this Friday is the dramedy chic-flick, He's Just Not That Into You (Rated PG-13) with an all-star cast of Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck, Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper, Busy Phillips, and Anna Bugarin. Here's a taste of what you can expect:

Also, if you're jonesing for some action, Push (Rated PG-13) comes to theaters this Friday starring Chris Evans, Dijimon Honsou, and Dakota Fanning.

*Side note: Fanning debuted in one of my favorite films: I Am Sam. It's a must see. Check it out.

SuperHeroHype.com has a special interview from the cast of Push that gets you behind-the-scenes and into the action.

Previews of Upcoming 2009 Blockbusters

2009-02-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

Heads up moviegoers! Some upcoming & promising blockbusters for 2009 have been announced during Superbowl XLIII. Look out for:

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (June 26, 2009)

Star Trek (May 8, 2009)

G.I. JOE (August 7, 2009)

I Hate It When...

2009-01-29T13:05:00.000-08:00

I hate it when television movie trailers give away the entirety of the film, not to mention, the best scenes. Not here at the DM Review. I may cast a few pearls of wisdom so you know what you're getting into, but just enough to make that all important decision...to be or not to be?

The best trailer I have ever seen past or present has to be the 2008 film, Righteous Kill starring Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino. Regardless of your take on the film, the two legends provided one of their TV commercials with the smoothest line (in my opinion):

Announcer's Voice: DeNiro. Pacino. What more do you need to know? Righteous Kill. Rated R. Now playing in theaters everywhere.

You Don't Mess With Eastwood's Torino

2009-01-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

3 1/2 STARS

Tough as nails cinema titan Clint Eastwood has done it again.

Delivering a performance that could make grown men wet themselves, Eastwood directs and stars in Gran Torino (Rated R) as Korean vet Walt Kowalski and is as no nonsense as the characters he has played in the past such as Dirty Harry and The Outlaw Josey Wales.

Set in an urban ghetto of Michigan, the lone soldier has seen it all and has the scars to prove it. However, this battle he marches into that begins with his beloved 1972 Gran Torino, is even more memorable than the first.

Easily one of the best films of his career, with the likes of Million Dollar Baby, the living legend shows he still has the goods and he's not going anywhere.

*Side Note- Beware of racial & strong language throughout the entire film; virgin ears will be destroyed.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button May Not Be That Curious

2009-01-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

3 1/2 STARS

The 2009 Academy Awards most nominated film (13 Oscar nods) goes to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Rated PG-13). (For more Oscar info go to www.oscar.com)

This creation is a story of life at its core with an age-reversing twist starring Academy Award nominees Brad Pitt & Taraji P. Henson, and Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett.

The film is visually stunning, the script is solid, and all three lead actors shine on screen. However, you'll find life is not that different whether you age forward or backward. That can make this 3-hour feature feel as long as it is.

Although quite different from the fable written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Curious Case delivers, but being as Oscar-worthy as the Academy has made it out to be is up for debate.

Opinions vary from great to downright hate as shown from this blog: Official Anti Benjamin Button Club. The Rolling Stone review is worth a look into the insight of into Pitt's newest character creation.

*Side Note- Lady lovers of Brad Pitt will swoon as the magic of cinema transforms the modern-day Pitt to a younger twenty-something version of himself reminiscent of his past films, Legends of the Fall and Meet Joe Black.

Bedtime Stories Has Enough Humor To Stay Awake

2009-01-25T16:20:00.000-08:00

2 1/2 STARS

Funnyman Adam Sandler loves the kids. That can be said for latest film, Bedtime Stories (Rated PG), co-starring Keri Russell and Courteney Cox.

Sandler delivers a kid-friendly flick where the imagination blends with real life while taking care of his niece and nephew.

Featuring cast members of Sandler's entourage in his past films (Rob Schneider and Co.), it has enough funny to keep adults awake.

If you skip it in theaters, that's okay, but if you do go, you won't fall asleep.

To Be or Not to Be: DM Review's Rating Scale

2009-01-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

Here's how movies are rated at the DM Review:

1. Not To Be (One Star) - Don't do it. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Don't even think about it.
2. So Be (Two Stars) - So what if you do but then so what if you don't? No big either way.
3. Just Be (Three Stars) - Just fine. A nice way to spend two hours plus worth of time.
4. Must Be (Four Stars) - That's a must see. You won't be disappointed.
5. To Be (Five Stars) - Amazing. Phenomenal acting. Incredible script. You've wronged yourself if you skip a film like this.

Welcome!

2009-01-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Dramedy Movie Review. Here, you will find reviews and top picks from comedies, dramas, and everything in between premiering this year and reminiscence on memorable movies from the past.

Not too sure of how much a film is worth watching? No problem. Check out the DM Review five-star ranking before paying the price.

Don't agree with a review or want to state your own opinion on a movie you've seen? Feel free to leave comments under any DM Review topic.

Looking for a film that is hard to find? Check out our many links to movie times, rentals, and purchases.

So before you take your precious time and money to view a film, help yourself to a free movie review that will make your choice much easier. Enjoy the show!

Jason Pinnock
Head of DM Review