Rental of the Week: "Old Yeller"

so many good dog movies have been released over the years, but my personal favorite is "Old Yeller!" The 1957 Disney classic is based on the book "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson. Growing up in Texas during the 1860's, a young boy named Travis has been given the responsibility of taking care of the family ranch while his father goes off on a cattle drive. Travis' mother and younger brother help him tend to the farm, but perhaps the most help comes from a stray yellow dog. At first, Travis wants nothing to do with the stray, but soon the dog, Old Yeller, becomes a loyal friend and helps protect the family farm. In my opinion, "Old Yeller" is the best dog movie out there, and I guarantee it will not only make you cry, but smile as well!

Rental of the Week: "That Darn Cat"

So this week I'm going to be recommending a cat movie and a dog movie. Obviously, today's recommendation is a cat movie. "That Darn Cat" stars Hayley Mills as the owner of a siamese cat named "DC" (Darn Cat)! Her character, Patti, has an older sister named Ingrid (Dorothy Provine), and both girls are home alone throughout the film, for their parents are traveling during the time in which the movie takes place. But let's not forget "DC," who, like most cats, happens to be a prowler. One night during his "rounds," the cat begins to follow a bank robber named Iggy. "DC" follows the robber all the way to an apartment in which he and his partner, Dan, are holding a bank teller hostage. The bank teller, who's name is Margaret, is able to take of "DC's collar and sneak her watch around his neck. On the watch she has written a (call for help) message, but she is only able to scratch H-E-and part of an L on the back of the watch before Dan notices something suspicious. However, "DC" leaves the apartment with the watch around his neck, and the men no nothing about it. As Margaret hoped, "DC's" owner finds the watch and realizes that that a call for help has been scratched on the back of the watch. Patti immediately goes to the FBI and teams up with an agent named Zeke Kelso (Dean Jones) to solve the case. How exactly do they find who they're looking for? Well, let's just say it involves FBI following "DC" around! But will "DC" lead them to the robbers? You'll have to watch the movie to find out! Now, this may sound like a mystery, and it is, but even more so it is a comedy! Trust me, you will laugh until you cry!

Reel Review: "Ramona and Beezus"

It is rare these days for a family, friendly film to hit the big screen, but the new movie "Ramona and Beezus" may just fit into that genre. Based on a book series by Beverly Cleary, the film stars newcomer Joey King as Ramona, and Disney star Selena Gomez as Beezus. The two girls are sisters in the movie, but in reality that would be impossible because Selena comes from a mexican descent and Joey does not. Despite the fact that they don't look like sisters, they kind of pull it off (Joey more so than Selena)! Ramona, who is a young third grader, has an extraordinary imagination, and as a result, she lives a life of irre, sponsible fun. John Corbett stars as Ramona's father, who seems to understand her excessive energy, but not as well as her Aunt "Bea," who's played by Ginnifer Goodwin. Though, Beezus just sees Ramona as a pest, no one misunderstands her more than her teacher, Mrs. Meachamaka Sandra Oh ("Grey's Anatomy"). I wouldn't say that there is a specific plot, although, on top of Ramona's mischievous antics, her father has lost his job and is having a hard time finding a new one. Also, Aunt "Bea" is falling in love with her high school sweetheart (Josh Duhamel) who is back in town. Though Selena has more of a minor role than the trailers and previews led us to believe, her character also has a sub-plot in which she is falling in love with her childhood friend, Henry. As a whole, this film is cute, but is VERY slow paced. I think it it worth seeing, but you certainly don't have to rush out to a movie theater. Also, it may be family, friendly film, but in my opinion it is more of a mother/daughter flick. It could even be considered a chick flick. One of the most recent family films that I would say is a true family film is "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl," which stars Abigail Breslin. Though "Ramona and Beezus" is family friendly, in my opinion "Kit Kittredge" is a much better movie!

Rental of the Week: "Bonnie and Clyde"

"Bonnie and Clyde" is certainly not a "feel good" flick," but it's still worth watching! Faye Dunaway stars as Bonnie Parker, an innocent waitress living in Texas during the middle of the Great Depression. One day, a man named Clyde Barrow (Warren Beatty) shows up at her house and tries steal her mother's car. For some reason, Bonnie is fascinated by Clyde, and instead of reporting him to the police for theft, she decides to join him as his partner in crime. Their tag-line is as follows... "We rob banks!" And yes, they rob banks! The couple are quickly joined by a naive gas station attendant named C. W. Moss. Clyde's older brother, Buck, and Buck's wife, Blanche also join the group that becomes known as The Barren Gang. Whether you're rooting for the gang, or you're against them, the entire movie will keep you on the edge of your seat in suspense. Oh, and I guarantee the ending will leave you speechless!

Rental of the Week: "Comes a Horseman"

So I've been wanting to recommend a classic western, but then I realized that I'm a not big fan of westerns and haven't watched that many, but now that I've seen "Comes a Horseman," I think I'll give westerns another shot! The movie stars Jane Fonda as a single woman named Ella Conners. Ella is a cattle rancher, and she is being pressured into selling her failing cattle farm by her not so nice ex-lover, Jacob "J. W." Ewing (Jason Robards). Ella has no intention of giving up her farm, so she turns to her neighbor, Frank Athearn, for help. Frank, who is played by James Caan, agrees to help Ella, and eventually the two fall in love. Unfortunately, it seems that "J. W." will stop at nothing to get her land, but will he ever get? You'll have to watch the movie to find out! The movie also stars Richard Farnsworth, who won an Oscar for his supporting role. Overall, it's definitely worth your time, especially the last ten minutes!

"Inception" Reel Review

In his follow up to "The Dark Knight," Christopher Nolan presents a complicated film about the world of dreams! Let me give you two key terms that should give you a better understanding of things… Term #1 - Extraction (which is the action of taking out something)! Term #2 - Inception (which is the starting point of an institution or activity)! Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the lead role as man named Dom Cobb. Cobb specializes in the dangerous skill of extraction, in which he steals valuable information or ideas from deep down in a person's dream! So what does that mean? Well, I just mentioned that the term "extraction" is the action of taking out something! And in this case Leo's character is able to extract information from a person when they're most vulnerable… which is when they're dreaming! Okay, if you didn't understand that, maybe you'll understand the skill of inception! Now remember I said that inception was the starting point of an institution or activity, and in the movie, inception refers to planting an idea into someone's head, and making them think that they came up with the idea themselves. Oh, and of course this process is done to a person while they're dreaming. Whether or not inception can be done, Cobb has give his best shot, for if he succeeds his employer has promised him a way home. You see, not only does Cobb's job keep away from home, but he's been accused of killing his late wife, so I'm guessing he can't go back to America until his name is cleared, but you see he really needs to get home because he has two little kids, and they're waiting on him to return. Hopefully now you understand why it's so important for him to succeed in performing inception, but of course he can't do this alone, so he put's together a team that consists of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page. Gordon-Levitt's character, who's name is Arthur, is the Point Man, and he has to… well I'm not really sure what he had to do, but the Forger, who is played by Tom Hardy, had to somehow or another forge a person's identity in a dream to I guess get more information, but I really don't know! Ellen Page, who you might know from "Juno," played the architect, and her job was to construct the world of the dream… if that makes any sense! Anyway, I'm making it seem REALLY complicated, and trust me, it is complicated, but I think that those who are able to understand the film will really like it! I think I understood, but at the same time I was second guessing myself throughout the majority of the movie, and even more so after the movie, I think I was able to follow along though! So, I liked this, but if I hadn't been able to understand it I don't think I would have! Pretty much all of the performances are strong, especially Leo's and Joseph's, and I really feel like both are able to pick good roles and even good movies for that matter! Joseph starred in "G. I. Joe" last year, and in interview that I saw, he said something on the lines of how it was more of a movie to just go in and watch and enjoy ride, but wasn't supposed to be the next Oscar contender, and it think it's good when actors can admit that a movie they're starring in may not be the greatest movie. Which brings me Leo… I saw an interview in which he was talking about this movie, and he said some close to, it's not best movie ever made, but it's one of the most unique, which totally true! As for the rest of the actors, like I said, most all of the performances were strong, and I really thought Ellen Page did a great job, so she's on her way, if not already, um to being top rate actress! As for whether or not you should see it or skip... SEE IT... and if you don't understand it... SEE IT again and again until you do!

Rental of the Week: "No Time For Sergeants"

One of my favorite actors of all time stars in today's rental recommendation, "No Time For Sergeants!" Before starring in "The Andy Griffith Show" and my personal favorite, "Matlock," Andy Griffith starred in this hilarious comedy as a gullible hillbilly named Will Stockdale. The movie begins as Will is drafted into the Air Force, and due to his... lack of education, he drives everyone nuts! He especially gets on the nerves of his sergeant, Orville King. However, Will does make one friend named Ben Whitledge, who's goal is to be transferred into the infantry like his older brothers and older relatives. Will quickly proves himself to be a trouble maker, so Sergeant King puts him in charge of cleaning the latrine. Will doesn't understand that cleaning the latrine is a punishment, so to impress the sergeant, he cleans the place until it's spotless. When Sergeant King inspects the latrine he so impressed that he dubs Will PLO (Permanent Latrine Orderly)! Once again, Will has no idea that PLO isn't a real position, or honor for that matter. Will continues to clean the latrine, as well as to stay out of trouble, but he never gets classified. However, Sergeant King pulls some strings so he'll be transferred without being classified. He mainly does this to get rid of Will, but his plan soon backfires when Will blurts out the truth to the captain during an inspection. Will doesn't realize what he's done, but Sergeant King is threatened by the captain that if he doesn't get Will classified with all the others in his squad, he will no longer remain a sergeant. Sergeant King only has a week to get Will classified, but is even possible? You'll have to watch the movie to find out! Now I like this movie a lot, and there a many funny moments that will keep you laughing. The movie was originally a Broadway play, which was actually based on a book. I've starred in a production of "No Time For Sergeants," so it's easy for me to follow the story, but for anyone who has little knowledge of military life, it may not be that easy. I highly recommend this to veterans, for my veteran grandfather loved both the play and the movie! There are many good performances in this, including a small role played by Don Knotts. My only problem with the movie is that Andy Griffith looks a lot older than the other actors, but I'm glad he played the part anyway!

Rental of the Week: "Singin' in the Rain"

I've been waiting all summer to recommend a musical, and "Singing in the Rain" is certainly a musical that I recommend! The 1952 film stars Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. My generation may know Debbie Reynolds from the Disney Channel "Halloweentown" movies, but if you really want to see her shine, this is the movie to watch. Now, for me it takes at least fifty minutes to really "get into" the movie, but once you're in, you're in. The film takes place in the late 1920s and follows the story of a silent film star named Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly). Don stars in silent films for Monumental Studios along with his usual leading lady Lina Lamont, who is played by Jean Hagen. The two are made out to be romantically linked to increase their popularity, which in turn increases the popularity of their films. Just like present day celebrities, Don is flocked by fans when he goes out in public. One day, he finds himself surrounded by a mob of fans, and decides to hop in a passing car, which is being driven by a girl named Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds). To his surprise, she doesn't recognize him right off the bat, nor does she think silent film stars can act. Kathy claims that she is a stage actress, and isn't impressed with Don's accomplishments. Eventually she drops him off, and he finds his way to a party in which the guests are shown a talking motion picture by the head of Monumental Studios, R.F. Simpson (Millard Mitchell). Not many people are impressed with the idea, but soon the entertainment arrives as a group of chorus girls enter to perform a number. Don immediately spots Kathy, who pops out of cake to kick off the performance. Furious with Don's amusement, she throws cake at him, but accidentally hits his leading lady, Lina, instead. This causes tension between the two girls, but Don later makes up with Kathy when he finds her working on the set of another Monumental Pictures production... and of course, they fall in love. Lina, however, thinks that she and Don are together, but he continuously tries to explain that they are only an on-screen duo. The two are soon paired up to do a talking picture, due to the success of a rival company's "talkie," "The Jazz Singer." The film is called "The Dueling Cavalier," but there are many problems including sound issues and Lina's squeaky voice. A test screening proves the movie to be a disaster, but Don, his best friend, Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor), and Kathy come of with a brilliant idea that would help to improve the film. They persuade R.F. to turn "The Dueling Cavalier" into a musical, which leads to the name change of "The Dancing Cavalier." The only problem is that Lina can't sing, however, Kathy can, and it is decided that she will dub Lina's voice for the film. But can they keep the dubbing a secret from Lina? And will Kathy go with out recognition? You'll have to watch the movie to find out! I highly recommend this film, but personally I like musicals with more memorable music like "The Sound of Music" or "Annie." "Singing in the Rain" does have something over all the other classic musicals though... the dancing is superb! It's also stands apart because most of the songs weren't originally written for the movie. My favorite numbers are "Good Morning" and of course, "Singing in the Rain!"

June Trivia Answers

"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" Review

Bella, Edward, and Jacob are all back for the third installment of the "Twilight" movie franchise, "Eclipse!" But having to choose between Edward and Jacob isn't all that Bella has to worry about this time around! Victoria's back, and she's still seeking revenge! But now Victoria has created an army of newborn vampires to help get the job done! And this could only mean one thing... the Cullens and the wolf pack will have to team up to destroy Victoria and her vampire army once and for all! So to start things off I just want to say that I DID LIKE this movie! It was of course a lot better than "Twilight," but I'm not sure that I liked it as much as "New Moon!" To me, the first two books and I guess movies of the franchise have more specific plots than "Eclipse" and even "Breaking Dawn" for that matter! In "Twilight" the overall plot is established, and in "New Moon," we're introduced to the werewolves and the Volturi and what not, so I guess what I'm trying to get to here is that "Eclipse" just kind of ties up all the loose ends before "Breaking Dawn!" I'm honestly confusing myself here so I'll try to explain what I'm trying to explain! "Eclipse" just doesn't have a specific plot to it! It basically just picks up right where the last one left off really, but the love triangle continues to heat up, Edward continues to talk Bella into marrying him, Bella continues to talk Edward into changing her, Victoria continues to try and get her revenge, the Volturi continue to… Okay, you get the idea! Now, I do have to say that the newborn vampires gave it something new and fresh, and we also got to see a lot of flashbacks this time around that helped us learn a lot about the past of some the characters! There was also a lot more action this time, which I think will help guys to enjoy it more, but there's also enough mushy gushiness for it to still be a chick flick! Now I will say SEE IT because I really did enjoy this, but since it doesn't have a specific plot, I don't think I liked it as much as "New Moon!" Honestly though, the whole series has a mindless plot, and I feel like they're releasing these films so quickly and so close together because they know that eventually people are going to realize that they're crazy for liking this! Okay that was a little harsh, but this is just not a well thought out series, and I could go on for days about how "Harry Potter" is so much better than this!