Kung Fu Panda 2

My friend Jeanne and I decided to go see Kung Fu Panda 2. Earlier in the week Jeanne came over and we watched Kung Fu Panda (the original) because she had not seen it and we thought it would be best to catch the first one before seeing the second. I think it was a very good idea because then I was updated from number one and she knew the basics.
As we left the movie we both agreed this movie is not for small children. We had around a three/four year old in front of us who in some of the scenes was quite frightened with the 'gun' going off and the destruction never mind the mean looking wolves. But as adults we both enjoyed it.
I am a Jack Black fan anyway, and when I see the Panda and watch his moves I can see Jack Black doing his thing (as on the American Idol final). I am also a fan of Angelina Jolie, so Tigress is important to me, and of course Seth Rogan's laugh always gives him away - no body laughs like he does. Jackie Chan as monkey with Lucy Lui as Snake rounds out the 'fightening' crew. Even though Dustin Hoffman as the sage teacher comes and saves the day in the end. The animators and how they represent the characters in line with their voices is fun to watch.
Now the movie, I thought was not as charming as number one, but traditionally number two movies never are. This is darker and more severe in the sets and plot. I did not laugh as often or as hard as with number one, but on the other hand its enjoyable and worth the time to go. I would have liked to see it in 3D, but we don't have that in our local theatre. (Its supposed to come when the new one gets built - supposedly 2012). To see 3D I have to go north 45minutes and sometimes that is not convenient, . 
So if you like animation, kids stories with a moral, then you will enjoy this. A solid 3 out of 5.

movie review - The Tourist

Just in case you are reading this movie review before Tron: Legacy I went north to watch two movies, Tron: Legacy and The Tourist.
The Tourist was my second movie of the day and as I'm a huge Angelina Jolie fan (not so hot about Johnny Depp) I was looking forward to it. I had been disappointed in Tron: Legacy (but please read what I wrote) and as I sat down to see this movie I was hoping for the best. The last movie I had seen Angelina in was Salt, which I loved. But, once again this afternoon brought some disappointment. Angelina played the mysterious lady, and luckily she is so beautiful so the shots of her face and wondering on the miracle of make up to hide her numerous tattoos during different shots, did not thoroughly disappoint. But this woman is a phenomenal actress and I felt like she was walking through the part, hardly any movement except to walk and drive a motor boat (oh yes the dance scene - that was good) but she came over mysterious but cold.  Which was her part, it just seemed so one dimensional. I only found a little bit of this movie I could get my teeth into.  Everytime the movie would 'take off' it stopped.
I'm also a fan of Paul Bettnay (must not forget him) and even he seemed to play this role stiffly, while Johnny Deep seemed out of his league somehow. Regardless of my disappointment, there were some great moments. On the dance floor, then the twist at the end (which by this time I had figured out) after all there were several hints along the way.  I don't know who the director was, but I think a different director might have produced a different movie. one in which we all would want to pour in to see, after all the scenery of Venice is always a treat and the suspense as different peoples were chasing each other could have produced more tension than it did.  The question I ask myself is The Tourist worth seeing. Probably yes, which is why I give it a 3 out of 5, but you don't want to have to travel to far to go see it.
Over all, although I enjoyed my day off to go see two movies I wanted to see, I was disappointed but still glad I had seen them.  Now onto the Fockers. At least I will laugh there.

Salt

Last night I went to see Salt, and was I glad I did. It was the most enjoyable movie I've seen this summer. Angelina Jolie at her best. I loved it. The action, the story line (not a new one, but well done). My friend and I got up and looked at each other and said "that was really good".  Oh yes, it was. It you like action, with of course some violence, (that seems to be the usual mode these days) but the action and when you think Angelina does all her own stunts and the stunts are spectacular here you shake your head.
Want a good movie filled with action almost from beginning to end, and a great ending for a set up of a second to follow (I wonder?) then go see Salt.
I loved Prince of Persia, I enjoyed The Sorcerer's Apprentice and still thinking about Insense, but Salt - well Angelina (great actress she is) takes the cake.
5 out of 5 stars for pure enjoyment.