Ocean’s Thirteen

Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, once again returns to the big screen in this third installment. This time Ocean plans to hit double-crossing Vegas kingpin Willy Bank, played by Al Pacino. Bank has swindled a fellow Ocean Thirteen member and now must pay.

Bank is set to have his latest casino open, creating the perfect way for Ocean and the crew to get back at him for his crimes. They will hit him where it hurts, his wallet and pride.

The cast is back, aside from Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones, in this movie that delivers more fun action just like the other Ocean movies. Ocean’s Thirteen is now available on DVD and is well worth the price to buy. Action movies are always fun to watch again and again.

Before devling into Ocean’s Thirteen, brush up on the events of Ocean’s Twelve. That way you won’t miss a thing.

Christmas with the Kranks

Based on the John Grisham book ‘Skipping Christmas,’ Christmas with the Kranks is about empty-nesters Luthor and Nora Krank facing the holiday without their daughter Blair, who has joined the Peace Corp. Luthor Krank hatches a plan that will save money and get his mind off missing his daughter. He decides that they will skip Christmas and opt instead to take a Caribbean cruise.

As the movie unfolds, the Kranks learn that skipping Christmas is easier said than done. Skipping Christmas means not buying a tree from the Boy Scouts, hosting the annual Christmas Eve party, and also not putting up Frosty the snowman as is tradition for all the neighbors. The Kranks refusal to celebrate Christmas ruffles more than a few feathers, making for some pretty funny moments in the movie. Everything is turned upside down when daughter Blair calls to say she is coming home for Christmas! Can the Kranks pull off a memorable holiday for their daughter and her new fiance?

Christmas with the Kranks is a fun holiday movie. It stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as the Kranks. While the book is better than the movie (as seems to be the case with a lot of movies made from books), Christmas with the Kranks is still worth at least renting this holiday.

Live Free or Die Hard

John McClane’s latest adventure is now available on DVD. Bruce Willis returns to the role that made him an action superstar. McClane must save New York from a computer terrorist that could destroy the infrastructure of the whole United States.

In Live Free of Die Hard, Detective McClane must bring in a known hacker, Matthew Farrell(played by Justin Long), after the FBI has been compromised. Farrell is a marked man since he unwillingly helped the computer terrorist organization and now they are out to kill him. This is where the action really kicks in.

This is classic Die Hard action filled with fantastic fight scenes and witty one-liners. McClane retains his wits and sense of humor throughout the whole ordeal. Even though this is the fourth movie in the series, it is still a great one to watch especially for Die Hard fans. Forget probability and reason, just sit back and enjoy the action.

Fred Claus

The holiday movie season has begun. Already there are holiday flicks showing on the big screen. For those looking for a Christmas story that is fresh and funny, Fred Claus is the movie to see.

Fred Claus, played by Vince Vaughn, is the older brother of Nicholas Claus - aka Santa Claus played by Paul Giamatti. Fred is estranged from his younger brother after a miserable childhood where Nicholas did everything right and Fred, well Fred could have been more like his brother. Fred is in a bind and must turn to his brother for help. Part of that help involves moving to the North Pole for a while.

Vaughn plays Fred Claus as a role that fits him well. He’s almost the same guy from The Break Up, selfish and a fast-talker that can always get out of a jam. It’s the role Vaughn has mastered and even if it isn’t a role that breaks new territory for him is still one that is very enjoyable to watch.

Fred Claus is a delightful movie for the holidays. It’s a fun, cute story about family and overcoming the past for a better future. While the special effects, especially pertaining to the elves, could have been better, Fred Claus does deliver plenty of eye candy through Santa’s workshop and the North Pole Village.

Fred Claus is rated PG.

Becoming Jane

Becoming Jane had a brilliant premise, I really love the Shakespeare In Love theme and Jane Austen’s novels. The cast was great (George from Six Feet Under! Professor McGonagall!). Unfortunately, the movie was a disaster.

When I said that the cast was great, I mean the cast except for Jane and her main love interest. It was painful to see the leads stumbling over their accents and period phrasing.

Every single scene went like this: A and B are talking about character C, while C comes up behind the corner, doorway or shrubbery and overhears them. Jane, Jane’s boyfriend, Jane, Jane’s Dad, Jane, Jane’s mom and Jane all take turns to be character C.

Actually, I’m exaggerating, not every scene followed that pattern. There was one scene in which Mrs. Austen goes out in a white lace cap and shawl to dig potatoes.

Next time I want a chick flick, I’m just watching Pride and Prejudice again.