No Strings Attached (2011)

Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher star in 'No Strings Attached', a romantic comedy about two young people agreeing be each other's sex buddy, with only one rule. No real commitment allowed. Portman plays Emma, a medical resident and Kutcher plays a fun loving all-around good guy. One thing about this movie got right was casting the part for Kutcher and Portman. They really seemed believable for the roles they were portraying.

From the start, you can tell that the no strings attached business really wasn't going to work out well between the two characters. Kutcher character was clearly falling for Portman from the start. And you just got a sense that she just didn't feel he was good enough for her. Overall, 'No Strings Attached' has all the elements of a good romantic comedy, but doesn't really bring anything extra to make it great.

IMDB-6.2/10

Metascore- 50/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics-48%, Audience- 59%

Yong's Rating- 2.5/5 Stars

Hereafter (2010)

As the title suggests, 'Hereafter' deals with the theme of afterlife. I usually love movies with this type of fantasy theme, so naturally I was excited to check out this movie. Plus Clint Eastwood directed it and Matt Damon is a bad ass, so it can't be that bad, right?

'Hereafter' follows the lives of three main characters and the way in which death has affected each one of them. After a near death experience as a child, George (Matt Damon) develops a special gift/curse which allows him to communicate with people in the afterlife. He spends most of his life using his power to do readings for people longing to talk to lost loved ones. However, his ability becomes too much of a burden for him to handle. Wanting to live a normal life, he choses a reclusive lifestyle in order to escape from his past. Marie( Cecile De France) is a French reporter who experiences a near death experience and has an out of the body experience. When she is brought back to life, the haunting images of her experience of afterlife is too much to forget. She becomes obsessed with the concept of afterlife. The third storyline revolves around two young twin boys. When one of the brother suffers a terrible accident and dies, the remaining bother goes on a search to find ways to communicate with his dead brother.

Overall, I was not too impressed by this movie. I'm not saying this movie is terrible, it just didn't grab my attention. It is a well thought out movie with coherent story lines, but I just couldn't get into the movie. I found myself getting bored, maybe because the storyline is very easy to predict. That's just never a good sign. So, here's my warning, watching this movie may bore you to death. See what I did there. Boom.

IMDB-6.7/10

Metascore- 56/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 46%, Audience-41%

Yong's Rating- 2/5 Stars

The Hangover Part 2 (2011)

"It happened again...", these are the opening lines of 'The Hangover Part 2' spoken by Phil. And there's just about the perfect way to describe the sequel to the massively successful 'Hangover'. The Wolfpack is reunited for Stu the dentist's (Ed Helms) wedding. Stu, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Doug (Justin Bartha), and even Alan (Zach Galifianakis) are all back for some more raunchy fun. This time, the gang is far away from Vegas. They are in Thailand and due to Stu's wishes skipped a bachelor party. However, when the gang find themselves awake in a cheap Bangkok hotel room without any memory of the previous night, they quickly realize that it has happened again. If you loved the first Hangover, then I'm sure you'll enjoy this one as well. Here's just a quick summary. Switch Las Vegas with Bangkok, the baby with a monkey, Doug (Bartha) with Stu's brother in law.

When the gang find themselves awake without Stu's brother in law Teddy, the guys must search for clues to find Teddy and get back to the wedding on time. As they retrace their steps, you get to find out about the crazy night shared by the gang. And trust me, it's much crazier than the night they had in Vegas. I found the plot a bit predictable, but there are definitely funny parts and it will sure make you laugh and even gasp at times. Just remember that it is rated R for a reason and if you aren't comfortable with this type of movie just stay away.

IMDB-7/10

Metascore-44/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics-35% Audience-95%

Yong's Rating- 3/5 stars

Midnight in Paris (2011)

'Midnight in Paris' is the latest Woody Allen flick featuring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. This may be one of his most commercially successful film in years. Mr. Allen continues his recent trend of filming away from his home base in New York City. Set in Paris, 'Midnight in Paris' starts with a gorgeous ode to the beauty of the romantic city. Woody Allen just has a way of making any city a part of his cast of characters. You could definitely see the love affair he has with Paris, it almost felt like he was cheating on New York City.

Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams play a newly engaged couple away on a vacation in Paris. Gil (Wilson) is infatuated with the city and has fantasies of moving to the city and writing. His fiancé is set on living the suburban life in Hollywood and doesn't understand what is so great about Paris. Gil is a romantic who longs for the simpler times of the past and wishes he was born in a different era. He is in love with the 1920's and walking around the city in rain. When Gil wonders off one night to just walk the beautiful city and clear his mind, a little loss of sense of direction leads to a life changing adventure. Without giving away too much of the storyline, 'Midnight in Paris' mixes in elements of fantasy and romance that is sure to delight and seduce the viewers. It was reminiscent of 'Purple Rose of Cairo' and to some degree 'Stardust Memories'. I believe this is one of his better movies in recent years. Owen Wilson played the 'Woody Allen character' very well and seemed like a natural for the part.

I found myself enjoying this movie very much. I couldn't help smiling the whole way through. I just loved how beautiful the city looked on the screen as well as the performances of the wonderful cast. It is a terrific mixture of charm, fantasy, romance, and comedy. Go see for yourself.

IMDB-7.9/10

Metascore- 81/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics-92%, Audience-77%

Yong's Rating- 4/5 stars

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)#*@

There are certain movies that are simply more just a movie. 'Grave of the Fireflies' is one of the most haunting and brutally honest movies I have ever seen. Also one of the most depressing movie as well. War is not pretty and it makes no attempt to hide the fact. Its images and message will always be in my memory. Set in Japan during WWII, the film tells the story of young brother and sister who loses their mother during a bomb raid. Seita and Setsuko lose everything they have and are left to do whatever they can to survive on their own. The animation is gorgeous and it captures both the good and the bad times perfectly. This is a movie that you just have to experience on your own to get a feel for it. It's always hard to rate a movie like this one and frankly I don't think it really matters. I highly recommend that you give it a try in the future.

#IMDB- 8.3/10 (#124 of 250)

Rotten Tomatoes- Critic-96% Audience-93%

* One of 1001 movies you must see before you die

@Ebert's Great Movies

Yong's Rating- 5/5

Thor (2011)

I will admit I had pretty low expectations going into 'Thor'. Just another big blockbuster movie with no real substance, right? Wrong! I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I found myself enjoying it. I had no idea who Thor was going into the movie, but it does a very good job of explaining the genesis and doesn't make you feel alienated for not already knowing who Thor is. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is a powerful warrior prince from another universe or realm of Asgard. When a group of ancient enemies make a surprise attack on the day he was set to become the new king, an angry Thor decides the best way to protect his people is to attack back. He disobeys his father Odin's (Anthony Hopkins) orders and makes a counter attack. Disappointed in his son's arrogance and vanity, Odin banishes him and his hammer down to earth. 'Thor' has two main storylines- the sibling rivalry between Thor and Loki for father's approval (Tom Hiddleston) and the romantic spark between Thor and a beautiful mortal (Natalie Portman). I think Hemsworth may have been inspired by the way Natalie Portman transformed her body for her role in the 'Black Swan' because he definitely got in shape for this one. This thought was confirmed by the girl sitting behind me whispering 'Yeah he is' to her friend in response to Hemsworth telling Portman that 'I am bad'.

Overall, I thought that 'Thor' was a perfect mixture of action and engaging storyline that is hard to find in many of the blockbuster movies today. I highly recommend it for everyone. I just hope this is a sign of good things to come for the summer movie season.

IMDB-7.6/10

Metascore- 58/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 78%, Audience- 84%

Yong's Rating- 4/5 Stars

The Switch (2010)

I did not think it would be possible for me dislike Jason Bateman. There was no way I would ever think ill of the Michael Bluth. Well, 'The Switch' proved me wrong. In 'The Switch', Jennifer Aniston plays a single woman who feels her time to have a child is running out. Being busy with work and having bad luck with men, she comes up with the perfect idea of turning to a sperm donor. Jason Bateman plays the best friend who obviously has a crush on her. Kassie (Aniston) decides to go through with the insemination against Wally's (Bateman) disapproval. She even throws an insemination party to celebrate the inception of the baby. Mix some alcohol, pills, and unfortunately placed sperm sample. What do you get? The perfect formula for the switch. Kassie gets pregnant and leaves town. When she comes back a few years later with her son, Sebastian, Wally starts to remember the night of the insemination party and realizes that he is the father. The rest of the movies deals with how the revelation of the truth will effect the relationship between Kassie and Wally. And I will leave that up to you to find out.

Overall, this movie just felt very flat. There was just no life. I was initially interested by the premise, but it just failed to keep my attention. 'The Switch' may be worth a look if you are a big fan of Jennifer Aniston or Jason Bateman, but I think you should just stay away from this one.

IMDB-5.9/10

Metascore-52/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics-52%, Audience-45%

Yong's Rating- 2/5 Stars

127 Hours (2010)

"127 Hours" is a real testament to one's undying free spirit and the will to survive. Directed by Danny Boyle (cue the dramatic music and clever use of flashbacks), it chronicles the true life story of mountain climber/adventurer Aron Ralston, who famously got his arm stuck between a boulder and a canyon due to a freak accident during a climb. Aron (James Franco) finds himself literally stuck between a rock and a hard place in middle of nowhere, miles away from any signs of civilization. Oh, and he didn't tell anyone where he was going.

James Franco delivers a very convincing, powerful performance as the free-spirited Aron Ralston. Now only if he could deliver a convincing performance as an Oscar host (sorry, I just had to do it). As the title suggests, Aron spends 127 hours contemplating about his situation and reflecting back on his life. As he thoughtfully states during one point in the movie, every moment of his life, every decisions he has ever made had been pushing him closer to his unfortunate meeting with the boulder. With his supplies getting low and his health deteriorating, how far is he willing to go to survive? You can watch the movie to find out for yourself. I found "127 hours" very engaging and well worth the viewing. Just like any good life affirming adventure, there are fun, thoughtful, rewarding and even some gruesome moments for everyone to experience.

IMDB-8/10

Metascore-82/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 93% Audience- 85%

Yong's Rating- 3.5/5 Stars

Waiting for Superman (2010)

'Waiting for Superman' is a documentary examining the state of the public education system in America. Let's just say it's not all rainbows and sunshine. Having gone through the public education system myself (product of Chicago Public School), I was very interested in seeing this documentary. The film presents the harsh reality of where our public educational system is and where it's heading. It gives the big overall picture through fancy charts, graphs, and statistics. And adds a personal touch by focusing on a select group of families stuck right in the heart of the problem. It was disheartening to see the sad state of the public schools around the country. How a child's future can be decided solely on a random pick of a number. The worst part was that everyone knows it's broken, but the system doesn't allow for it to get fixed due to its politics. The film does provides some hope in ways that the system can get repaired, but at the rate things are now, I'm not sure even superman himself can save the children.

IMDB-7.3/10

Metascore-81/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 89%, Audience-85%

Yong's Rating- 3/5 Stars

Flipped (2010)

Your first childhood crush, the first time you felt that funny butterflies in your stomach, you wonder why she/him is on your mind all the time. Do you remember you first crush? Rob Reiner's 'Flipped' captures the essence of first love perfectly. Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) is new to the neighborhood and he is greeted by Juli Baker (Madeline Carroll), who instantly falls in love with the cute boy with the mesmerizing eyes. The movie is narrated from viewpoint of both Bryce and Juli as they grow up through grade school and get to know each other better. I really liked the way the movie presented both sides of the story, really letting you into the minds of the main characters. 'Flipped' does play the cute emotional card, but it doesn't abuse it to the point of making you feel sick. Watching 'Flipped' felt like watching a group of cute puppies playing with each other. It's so cute that you just can't turn away and you can't help but to smile. So if you like cute puppies, go ahead and give 'Flipped' a try.

IMDB-7.4/10

Metascore- 45/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 57%, Audience- 76%

Yong's Rating- 3.5/5 stars