My worst films of 2011: 10. “We Bought a Zoo” Incredibly forced family dramedy that features the most manipulative script of any film this year. Director Cameron Crowe tries to make you tear-up in scene after scene after scene. The attempts at comedy are just as bad. 9. “In Time” Interesting premise and promising start, […]

Here are my Best of the Best that Hollywood had to offer in 2011. 10. “The Muppets” Terrific comeback film for a all-but forgotten franchise.Great musical numbers and a lot of heart. Old fans and a new generation of kids were not disappointed. 9. “Hanna” Saoirse Ronan starred in this exciting action thriller about a […]

There were plenty of animals on display in movies this year. Here are the Worst in Show: 10) Simone (a.k.a. Simon as a French Adventurer) – “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked”. That subplot is ridiculous. What’s even more ridiculous is that the filmmakers had to hire another actor to voice Simon as Simone (Alan Tudyk […]

Ten Best Performances by an Animal (Real or Fake) in 2011: 10) Argonaut the Dog – “Spy Kids: All the Time in the World”. Played by Elmo the dog, voiced by Ricky Gervais (the only somewhat funny thing in the entire movie). 9) Bitey – “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” – There were real penguins on set! […]

Christmas Weekend at the Box Office wasn’t very strong. With the big holiday on a Sunday, all of the family movies disappointed, but the more adult films didn’t do much better. “M:I4” won with $26.5M (the lowest open in the franchise – hurt by the IMAX opening). “Sherlock 2” dropped over 50% from the previous […]

Merry Christmas! Hope you all have a wonderful holiday. Here are some suggestions on what you can do before or after Santa pays his annual visit: – See “Arthur Christmas”. Make it a gift to yourself and your family. It’s a delighful animated film for all ages and, obviously, very timely. If you’ve been waiting […]

Over the last few years, the four major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX) have been making new animated holiday specials to try to revive the genre. And for the most part they’ve succeeded. “Shrek the Halls” and “Prep and Landing” have been big hits for ABC. “Merry Madagascar” and “Yes Virginia” are also very […]

The Golden Globe nominations never fail to surprise and disappoint. And this year is no different. Some high and lowlights: – Is there another movie named “My Week with Marilyn”? – because the one I saw wasn’t a musical or a comedy. – Happy with animated category – except for “Tintin”, which doesn’t belong. Put […]

“Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol” opens nationwide on the 21st, but it’s being released in 400 IMAX theaters five days earlier on the 16th. I can’t remember the last time a big budget movie opened in just a limited number of screens and then expanded wide a few days later. So how much money will “M:I4” […]

The National Board of Review has announced its winners for the best acting performances and best movies of the year. I realize they want to be the first every awards season, but it’s way too early to be handing-out honors for movies, many that haven’t even opened yet. Among their Top 10 Films of the […]