“Another Transformative Movie”

Action, plenty of action! That is what “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” delivers and it is enough to make the movie, now out on DVD, one to watch over and over. The explosions are back; the special effects are back; the humor is back. Combined this makes the second “Transformers” movie almost as good as the first one. Clocking in at over two hours it had better be good or you are going to be bored for a long time. Luckily this movie moves and it is all over before you know it.

Shia LeBeouf is back as Sam Witwicky, a teenager on his way to his freshman year at college. He is leaving behind his girlfriend Mikaela (Megan Fox). His mother Judy (Julie White) is inconsolable about his leaving while his father Ron (Kevin Dunn) is looking forward to having an “empty nest.”

Sam is also leaving behind his yellow Camaro which he calls “Bee”. Bee is an Autobot that has protected Sam in the past. Bee and Mikaela quickly catch up with Sam at college when evil Decepticons come after him.

The plot is not the important thing in a film such as this. Suffice it to say Sam and Mikaela are in the middle of a battle between the good Autobots and the bad Decepticons. This is where all the chases and explosions enter the picture.

LeBeouf is solid as Sam and makes an admirable hero. Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson add macho support to the film as Army soldiers who have battled evil Autobots in the past. Ramon Rodriguez adds to the comedy portion of the movie as Leo, Sam’s college roommate, who can’t believe what is happening is happening.

Megan Fox, who stole the first film, is negligible in this one. Her face looks painted on and her acting is creepy. She is a beautiful young woman but the heavy makeup detracts big time. This time out Isabel Lucas steals the film with her portrayal of Alice, a college girl who wants Sam for herself.

The real star of the show is the special effects team. We now take a lot for granted when it comes to special effects and we shouldn’t. In this movie the transition of the Autobots is amazing. Plus their actions and reactions with the human actors are seamless.

There is a lot of humor in the movie too but unfortunately most of it is done with throwaway lines. You have to listen carefully to hear the zingers that are put out there. That is one good reason why the movie should be seen more than once.

The one thing this film doesn’t have going for it is the element of surprise. You have seen most of the special effects employed here before. You still enjoy them but you aren’t seeing them for the first time. That keeps the movie from being a little less enjoyable than the first one. Still it is everything an action movie on DVD should be.

It seems Eddie Murphy has found a home in family films such as “Daddy Day Care” and “Dr. Dolittle.” His latest is “Imagine That,” a sweet movie that gives Murphy a chance to shine. The film has some flaws but Murphy gives another eager and winning performance.

Murphy plays Evan Danielson, a financial advisor for a big company. His main competition at his office is John Whitefeather (Thomas Haden Church), a Native American who uses his nationality to his advantage. The two men are antagonistic towards each other and finally come into a competition whereby one will be the winner and one will be the loser.

Evan is separated from his wife (Nicole Ari Parker). He does get to have his daughter Olivia (Yara Shahidi) spend some time with him, but usually he is so busy he tries to get out of it. But one week when he has her she tells him that her imaginary friends have some stock tips for him. And they are good ones!

The rest of the film concerns Evan trying to enter Olivia’s imaginary world and get the “tips” he needs. In the process he learns to truly appreciate his daughter but it takes a while. For too much of the time he is just using her and that makes the audience a little uncomfortable.

Murphy is a very funny man. He has a rubber face and is willing to play the fool for the good of the role. He can be harsh as well as humorous, brusque as well as brave. Plus he has the perfect co-star in the adorable Yara Shahidi. The two bond on screen and exude the warmth of a solid relationship. Church adds to the fun of the film but he seems a slight bit awkward in his role.

The film is rated PG for adult situations but there is really nothing in the movie that would be offensive to children. They will enjoy the silly scenes featuring Murphy and Shahidi, but might get a little bored with the business sequences.

Murphy has truly found a home in family movies, and seems to enjoy his involvement there. Still it would be nice to see him tackle another dramatic role like the one he played in “Dreamgirls.” His talent is sufficient to challenge a wide range of roles.

“Imagine That” is not Murphy’s best movie but it is one where his talent gets to shine. He is a talented man whose career is not over by a long shot. Get the DVD and watch it with your family.

A no name cast has some fun with another “Zombie” comedy. This one is titled “Last of the Living” and it is available on DVD. This movie has the same comedic touch that “Zombieland” has and you don’t have to put up with Woody Harrelson.” Plus in this one the girls are better looking

So check out the fun of helping rid the world of zombies on the loose. It is campy, funny and nothing to worry about. It is a good time movie waiting for you to view it. It is “Last of the Living.”

You can go from zombies to vampires by watching “Blood: The Last Vampire.” This movie on DVD is from the producer of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and is a live action adaptation of the hit anime series “Blood.”

The action sequences in this movie are amazing and you will be fascinated from beginning to end. Gianna Jun and Allison Miller star in this story of the hunt for demons who are all over the earth. One of the deadliest vampires is the ultimate foe.

Its Halloween and time for a good action packed, violent, scary film. “Blood: The Last Vampire” is it.
 

 

 

 

 

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

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