Basic Plot: This is the remake of the 1984 title. I’d forgotten how SAD parts of the first movie were until I watched this, mildly sniffle-eyed, next to my sniffled-eyed cohort. As this version is set in China and revolves around kung-fu, not karate, it was released in that country as Kung-Fu Kid.

Outburst: Okay, so Jackie Chan will never fill the shoes of Pat Morita — thank goodness he isn’t really trying for that. Don’t let the naysayers keep you from the theatre, for this movie is surely worthy of the big screen.

/DVD — A gem of a film. Carve out a space for the DVD on your shelve, next to the original.

Official Site: The Karate Kid

Basic Plot: A computer hackers discovers his world is an illusion run by machines and enlists with human rebels in a war to save humanity.

Outburst: So I put these all together, because really these are best watched as a set. “WHAT!?” you say, “the sequels didn’t compare to the first, how could you?” Sure, when you watch it for visually stunning and original special effects, the later movies seem a little mundane. When you look at them as an attempt to elaborate on a philosophically cyclical construct presented in the first movie, they are enriching. If you don’t understand what I’m talking about, read more literature.

/CULT/DVD — Get it, love it, read more Socrates and Keats.

BUY IT NOW! The Ultimate Matrix Collection [Blu-ray]

Basic Plot: Humanity attempts to take over a alien planet. A disabled soldier is torn between the desire to follow orders and the need to protect the world he has come to be a part of.

Outburst: Am I the only person not totally blown away by this movie? Okay, so I didn’t get to see it in IMAX 3-D with the dorky glasses. The special effects are still stellar, but a few times I could tell where objects were placed or moved to enhance the 3D effect, just like in those ridiculous rides at theme parks. Once you get past all the glitz, the plot itself is rather mundane.

/CULT — Folks who want to paint themselves blue notwithstanding, this is just an average-good movie. It’s pure Hollywood entertainment.

Official Avatar Movie Website
Wikipedia Entry: Avatar

BUY IT NOW! Avatar (2Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Blu-ray]

Basic Plot: Romantic comedy about a musician who takes a Hawaii vacation to forget about a recent breakup, only to find his ex (and her new boyfriend) are staying at the same resort.

Outburst: It’s funny and witty and everything I could ask for in a romantic comedy.

/DVD  (3 of 3 stars) — Guys pack up your girls, but try not to be intimidated by male full frontal nudity. Jason Segal can strut his stuff without shame.

Official Site: Forgetting Sarah Marshall

BUY IT NOW! Forgetting Sarah Marshall (3-Disc Unrated Collector’s Ed.)

Basic Plot:  After a motivational seminar, a pessimistic banker decides to say yes to every suggestion.

Outburst: For the record, I can’t stand Jim Carrey movies. I haven’t like one since Mask. So when this popped on the television I was surprised to find myself running late for an appointment because my attention had been strangely drawn to the screen. It’s a compellingly good story and it is authentically funny, as well.

/DVD  (3 of 3 stars) — A laugh factory and great movie. Does anyone know if that’s was Jim Carrey’s behind or a stunt butt? This blogger wants to know.

Official Yes Man Website

Basic Plot: The game’s afoot, and Holmes is on the chase!

Outburst: Entertaining wit, engaging fights, and a clever Sherlock concept make this a fun movie.  I had a few small quibbles with minor details, but overall was vastly pleased.

/DVD  (3 of 3 stars) — It’s just a fun sort of movie.  While not technically steampunk, I think fans of steampunk and/or Holmes will want to add this to their DVD collections as well.

Official Sherlock Holmes Website

Basic Plot: Scrawny kid who watches too many kung-fu movies is magically transported to another realm in which he must return a mystical staff to the Monkey God.

Outburst: I’ve seen more logical plots on pornos.  This is just a thinly veiled attempt to string together intense martial arts scenes between Jet Li and Jackie Chan, with some hot fighting Asian girls thrown into the mix.  It’s pretty awesome.

/CULT  (2 of 3 stars) — If you love comedic kung-fu movies, you’ll find this movie a fun classic.

Official Website: The Forbidden Kingdom
Wikipedia: The Forbidden Kingdom

Basic Plot: Crazed maniac killer, uh, kills people.

Basic Plot: Dramady about an angel sent to help a troubled preacher. His presence, however, seems to cause more problems than it solves.

Outburst: Nothing like a feel good Christmas movie to get you into the holiday spirit.

(2 of 3 stars) — This is not a family movie so much as a story for ladies who watch romances.

Wikipedia: The Preacher’s Wife