If you want to read lengthy, drawn-out reviews of the movies in theaters now (or soon to be) then this isn't the blog you should be reading. Most of the posts from The Other Critic are short, sweet and to the point; that's how we roll here.

We also don't just focus on current movies. Let's face it, there are plenty of good movies that have been made, and sometimes viewers have a tendency to forget that there is more to life than movies in the theaters.

With all that said, please enjoy the short and concise, and sometimes opinionated reviews. If you don't like them, that's okay—we won't hold it against you.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Last First Impression of 2009


Okay, here's the last First Impression for 2009. Inception is a sci-fi action/adventure flick starring Leonardo Dicaprio. After watching the trailer, which you can view here, I was more than sure that I'd be seeing this. Let's hope director Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight) doesn't disappoint—I have the feeling he won't.

New Look

Okay, if you have looked at this blog over the past day or two, it's gone through a little bit of a "plastic surgery nightmare" — but, we are pleased to announce that with the help of some knowledgeable people who we call friends, the site was saved from further exposure before it was ready.

And now, it's ready—at least on the surface. There will be more changes and modifications coming soon, so check back with us then.

Thanks.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

Okay, Christmas Day is always a great day to go see a movie, weather permitting and once all the presents are opened.

This Christmas Day I had the opportunity to see the latest Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. It was everything I expected it to be - no more, no less. It wasn't a bad movie, and there were definitelty some funny parts - both for the kids and the parents (if you've seen it, think "Dutch oven").

Will it win any awards? Probably not, but it was entertaining and I think my kids liked it. The music was upbeat and popular, so that's a good thing. Will I see it again in the theater? No, probably not - maybe as a rental in the future.


The Other Critic Writes Again

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

All About Steve

There are only two things that I remember from the trailer for this movie: her red boots and the fact that she fell in a mine.

With that said, this movie was a surprise to me. It was definitely a comedy. But I don't know if I could label this as a romantic comedy. Maybe abnormal stalker comedy (if you've seen the movie, you'll understand that little joke). If not, go see the movie.

All-in-all it was a great movie, definitely right up Sandra Bullock's alley. The way Sandra portrayed her character was very believable. Without giving away too much, or the ending, let me just say that if you are in the mood to laugh this is a good movie to see.


The Other Critic Writes Again

The Blind Side Opened My Eyes

I love movies that are based on true stories. I think they are easier for most people to relate to. This movie was no exception.

It never ceases to amaze me that in a world full of problems, conflict and constant day-to-day chaos, there are still good Samaritans.

Sandra Bullock did an amazing job portraying her character in this movie, as did the rest of the cast. There were emotional parts, humorous parts and parts that made me think if something like this can happen to someone, then I should be able to overcome anything that stands in my way.

Is this movie worth seeing? Definitely. Will you tear up? Probably, although I must admit, I thought it was going to be more of a tear jerker for me than it actually was.

Good movie.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Two Days in a Row of First Impressions

Wow, two days in a row of First Impressions. I told you that 2010 was going to be a good year for movies.

The first was a surprise to me. Shrek Forever After. Looks promising, loved all the other ones. Hope this one doesn't disappoint—seeing how this will be "the last one." We'll see. Here's the trailer (and for those of you with an iPhone, view it here).


The next First Impression is a strange, and yet fascinating, coupling of talent. What do you get when you take Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Disney and twist them together? Alice in Wonderland, of course, with Mr. Depp playing the Mad Hatter. This one will be a must see in the theaters for me. Here's the trailer (iPhone users click here).


That's it for today.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

First Impression

Okay, today's First Impressions are epic, to say the least. It seems that there are certain times of the year that are favored more than others for movie releases. It seems to me like some of the best movies are released in May. This coming spring there will be plenty to choose from.

Set to be released in March is our First Impression, Clash of the Titans. Here's the trailer (iPhone users view here).


The next epic release teams Ridley Scott with Russell Crowe telling the tale of Robin Hood. Set to release in May, this will have to contend against Ironman 2. Here's the trailer for Robin Hood (iPhone users view here).


I have a sneaking suspicion that 2010 is going to be a good year for movies.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

The Princess and the Frog

Okay, one of the best places to be on a cold December Saturday is none other than the movie theater with the family.

This weekend I had the chance to see the new Disney movie The Princess and the Frog. I was impressed. I didn't think that Disney was in the business of making anything that didn't have the name Pixar in it.

The story, music and animation was everything that you would expect from Disney. It was a fun show, definitly one that we will more than likely purchase and watch over and over again.


The Other Critic Writes Again

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Home Alone

Ah, the holidays. Nothing like the holidays to give you an excuse to take a stroll down memory lane and watch all the holiday classics.

I had the opportunity to sit down with my family and watch Home Alone last night. Now, the acting wasn't as bad as it could have been, but kids are kids, and I really don't think they care. It was funny to see my kids watch this movie, because they were really concerned that he was left all alone at home. Once the story got going they were fine with him being all alone, but then there were the robbers. Once the robbers started getting hurt, it was all laughs. Even I laughed at some of the pain, and cringed at others.

Over all, it was a good reminder of fun times when I was younger.


The Other Critic Writes Again