Vacation, the next generation

For the last four Vacation movies Rusty and Audrey haven't really grown up. But it appears Rusty (Ed Helms) may now have a family of his own and will be setting out to take them on their own Vacation in the new installment. Early reports are this will be out in 2014. Perhaps the Griswolds will take their trip to China this time. Seems like the logical next trip. And will we see a cameo from Chevy Chase? Lets hope so.

*Where do you think the Griswolds should go this time. Comment below.

Upcoming Movies - Now till Summers End

Just a little something to get you excited for summer...

Here is a list of the bigger movies coming out between now and the end of the summer.
Of course there probably will be a flop or two in this list.

*Feel free to comment below. What movie are you most looking forward to this season? And what movie do you think will be the biggest hit?




March 28
G.I. Joe: Retaliation

April 5
Jurassic Park 3D
The Evil Dead

April 12
42

April 19
Oblivion

May 10
The Great Gatsby

May 17
Star Trek Into Darkness

May 24
Fast and Furious 6
The Hangover: Part III

June 7
After Earth
The Internship

June 14
Man of Steel

June 21
World War Z
Monsters University

July 3
Despicable Me 2
Lone Ranger

July 12
Grown Ups 2

July 26
The Wolverine

July 31
The Smurfs 2

August 2
300: Rise of an Empire

August 9
Disney's Planes

August 16
Kick-Ass 2

August 23
The World's End

September 6
Riddick

September 27
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

White House under attack...again

Just when construction crews start cleaning up after the last invasion on 1600 Penn...
'White House Down' does it again. Starring: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Below is the most recent trailer released. The movie opens June 28 2013



There goes the neighborhood.

2 New Trailers for The Wolverine

Two new trailers have been released for 'The Wolverine'. These really open up to what the story will be like. It appears Wolverine has decided to go mortal and lose his healing power. To make things worse, he has to fight off a band of ninjas. I'm thinking he will have some mutant power remorse. Quick healing would probably come in handy.

Domestic Trailer




International Trailer



ENJOY!

More Iron Man 3!

Yet another Iron Man trailer where Tony appears to have met his match. The Mandarin is all over this one.

Come on May 3rd, hurry up!

RIDDICK TEASER

22 seconds of pure awesomeness!

World War Z - Trailer 2

This trailer has a slightly different feel than the first one. But either way, it certainly reinforces that this should be a pretty sweet summer movie. Zombies on a plane! 'Nough said

Olympus Has Fallen - 2013 (R)

There hasn't been a review that didn't mention this movie is 'Die Hard' in the White House. So let's get that out of the way. Yes, there are many elements to this movie that resemble 'Die Hard'. You've got one man, against all odds, fighting with some foreign ego maniacs. You could replace Nakatomi Plaza with the White House. And with the exception of some shoes and a gun, Secret Service Agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) is essentially Officer John McClane. Never has a comparison to 'Die Hard' been a bad thing. So don't fear, this movie has all of the good elements you would hope for. Where the two movies differ is in the relentless, over the top, brutal action far beyond that of DH. This is DH on steroids. It's as if someone told Michael Bay to remake 'Die Hard'. But believe it or not, that is meant in a good way. 

The plot is simple, Agent Banning finds himself in the White House amidst some terrorists that attack like a mall flash mob. They are lead by a North Korean psychopath whose mission is to kid nap the president. Working with national security and the speaker of the house (Morgan Freeman), its Banning's job to save the day. Ohh and yeah it seems like Morgan Freeman's two terms are up since 'Deep Impact', at least temporarily. Gerard Butler plays the part well and represents every red blooded American that knows the only good terrorist is a dead one. And by the end, there are no shortages of them. The movie is full of symbolism and cliches, and the writing could be a lot better. But when the bust of Abraham Lincoln is used as a weapon, you know you're getting your money's worth.

This is a fully loaded action movie from start to finish, with all the explosions, combat and tension you can pack into 2 hours! It wont be a classic like 'Die Hard' but you'll still have a good time.


*Post a comment about your thoughts on the movie*

Zero Dark Thirty - 2012 (R)

Zero Dark Thirty is a historical drama about the CIA's man hunt for the terrorist, Osama Bin Laden.
 
This movie stars Jessica Chastain who play's Maya, a tough, savvy, intelligent CIA agent who eat, sleeps and breathes the intricate network of al-Qaeda. The first half hour of the movie involve the US's enhanced interrogation techniques, AKA torture. Maya originally is standoffish about these methods, however as her obsession grows over her hunt for OBL she becomes more open to doing what is needed to find him. These scenes are not for the faint of heart. I dont feel like this movie sets out to have a political agenda about the way the US goes about their interrogations. However, the torture scenes seem to last too long and are more than sufficient for getting the message across. All in all though, the hunt and reconnaissance are extremely well done and is by far the highlight of the movie.

The raid on Osama Bin Laden's camp was a little anti-climatic. However, it was exactly what I expected. But again, I believe it was Jessica Chastain's acting and the hunt itself that steals the show.

This is a gritty movie that gives us just a glimpse into the process of bringing the mastermind of 9-11 to justice. If you can get past the torture scenes (which can be tough), you will not be disappointed in this movie. If you missed it in the theaters, it has recently been released at Amazon, check it out.


"9-11, Never Forget"

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' out on Blu-ray/DVD today

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' comes out on Blu-ray/DVD today. If you're like me you'll want to buy this to add to your Tolkien collection whether you loved it or thought it was just OK. Sure the movie was slow in parts and it had big shoes to fill but I think it turned out pretty well. The story had a different feel from the LOTR trilogy so its expected that the movie would come across differently. But this isn't a review of the movie. Just a informative reminder about the release of the DVD.

What you'll get with the Blu-ray/DVD combo:

Blu-ray disc
DVD disc / Ultra Violet Digital copy
Special feature disc: including
     Film trailers
     Peter Jackson video blogs that where done during the filming of the movie
     Video game trailers





So this clearly isn't the end all be all DVD release. Its a fairly bare bones combo pack. However, if you can hold out till December 2013 you'll have the opportunity to buy the extended edition of the already extended movie that shouldn't have been more than 2 movies in total. But I suspect there will be a greater compilation of special features in that one. Im just one of those that can't wait, (to be honest I'll probably get both) so I already grabbed this one. Either way its a good addition to your collection. If you pick it up…enjoy.

Director chosen for 'Jurassic Park 4'

Dont look now, but Reuters reports that a director has been chosen for the 4th Jurassic park movie. Colin Trevorrow (director of 'Safety Not Guaranteed') has accepted the position. He is now the 3rd director in the series, behind Steven Spielberg and Joe Johnston. Heres to hoping that Trevorrow can right this series and return it back to the greatness that Spielberg started back in 1993. 

'Veronica Mars' movie - breaks Kickstarter record - Fastest to $1M

Rob Thomas Productions

The 'Veronica Mars' movie needed $2 million dollars to see their project come to life.  Enter 40,000+ fans.

Kickstarter was flooded yesterday with backers for The Veronica Mars Movie Project. In less than 5 hours the project was able to raise $1M and by the end of the night they achieved their full goal of $2M. As of this moment they've raised $2.5M and climbing. The different pledge amounts gave backers some pretty cool opportunities. Backers willing to pledge $1,000 will receive 2 tickets to the red carpet 'Veronica Mars' movie premiere in Los Angeles. And one generous backer of $10,000 will get a speaking role as a waiter in the movie. However, all pledgers will be rewarded with some cool things. And of course the thing they are most hoping for...the movie actually being made.

Expect the movie to be released in early 2014.

Green Street Hooligans - 2005 (R)

I will not, but could, sum this movie up in one sentence. "No idea what those violent Brits are saying but this drama had me glued to the screen."

The movie opens with Elijah Wood's character (Matt Buckner) being kicked out of Harvard for a drug offense that his roommate committed which Matt took the fall for. He takes this time to visit his sister who lives 'across the pond' in London where he meets her brother in-law Pete (played by Charlie Hunnam). Pete is the leader of a group football fan hooligans known as the Green Street Elite or GSE. There are a handful of violent gang altercations between the rival football gangs. These fights are well shot, believable, and scary and make you cringe. However, by the end of it I actually felt like I was standing right there with them. There is also a great message about loyalty and friendship.

This movie had a great deal of profanity, and probably twice as much if I could translate their British dialect. But I really enjoyed picking up some new terminology. And despite all of the fight scenes, and well, maybe because all of the fight scenes, I really enjoy this film from start to finish. 

Taken 2 - 2012 (PG-13)

Liam Neeson doing what Liam does best. In this squeal though, the tables are turned. Bryan Mills (Liam) is the hunted and not the hunter. Apparently one of the bad dudes he killed in the first movie was the crime bosses son and they want revenge for, well…Bryan's revenge.

Apparently  Bryan kills all the toughest, smartest guys in the first movie because these guys are bumbling idiots. They aren't so dumb to get caught monologueing but they are still pretty dumb.


This movie was a lot of fun for what it is, and there wasn't too many parts that I had to ignore for being too hard to believe. Well aside from the fact that I'm not sure how long I can believe that Liam Neeson is able to take roles as an elderly Jason Bourne. And there was also way too many scenes where Bryan's daughter (played by Maggie Grace) throws multiple grenades inside a busy city with apparently no legal ramifications.

So its got action and suspense and a calm, cool, git r done Liam Neeson character that is hell bent on never being bothered by these guys again. I wouldn't buy the movie because I doubt I'll see it again, but it was fun to watch for those couple of hours and is worth a rent.

New Ironman 3 trailer!

Im a sucker for a good trailer. But after watching the newest trailer for Ironman 3, try telling me this isn't the BEST Ironman yet!

Back to the Future - 1985 (PG)

I know what you're gonna say, Son, and you're right. You're right. Back to the Future has everything a movie goer could ever ask for. It has action, suspense, time travel, adventure, romance, comedy and time travel.You can never have too much time travel.



Time travel movies allow for the greatest plots and this one doesn't disappoint. Its your typical "boy meets mad scientist inventor. Boy accidentally sends himself back in time with an invention created by mad scientist. Boy and mad scientist inventor from the past try and return boy to the present without drastically changing history and erasing boy from existence." Ya know, that old thing. Some time travel movies are too serious and follow a strict set of time travel rules. This isn't one of those. Because of that I feel the flows easily between the different time periods. You could sit there and nitpick it if you wanted. But I choose to leave my lab coat at the door and just enjoy it for what it is.

The relationship between the main characters Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc. Brown (Christopher Llyod) is very well done. It's never explained how these two became close friends but that isn't necessary. I guess some could say they first met when Marty travels back to 1955, but that's where you need to be careful how you analyze the time travel parts of the movie. This movie was cast very well, with each person bringing a different dynamic to the film.

The special effects are exactly what you would expect from a movie made in the mid 80's. Nothing spectacular and certainly not ahead of its time but it gets the job done and doesn't take away from the movie at all.


This is one of those rare special films that can endure the test of time and only seems to increase in popularity. It's a fun, lighthearted, fast paced movie, that never has a dull moment. It appeals to the masses and if it weren't for a few choice words, I'd say a movie for any age. It's still a great family movie, but I'd wait until at least age 10 to show this to my child.

Fun things to look for while watching BTTF. Keep a close eye on things in the present day. With a time travel movie you'll witness a lot of changes as Marty travels back and forth.  Plenty of cause-effect tid bits, you'll notice something new each time you watch it.

Ok look, everyone has seen Back to the Future. You know you love it, you don't need me to tell you.

MOVIE OVEN goes live!

Welcome to Movie Oven,

Looking for witty, clever movie reviews written by a talented and articulate reviewer? Have you come to the right place?

NOPE probably not

I hate most movie reviews. I can't stand people forcing their views of the movies they've seen down my throat. Most movie reviews are too harsh. Maybe I'm too easy on the movies I write/talk about, but I feel that I can get through most non-perverse movies and obtain some entertainment value. I think most reviewers are going into the theater expecting to see an Oscar and then bash the movie when they get out.

People need to set reasonable expectations when going to see their next movie. I want to help others maximize their entertainment value through setting expectations and putting movies into a good light. So whether you are about to watch Ben Hur or Santa Clause Conquers the Martians you can raise or lower your expectations accordingly and just sit back and watch the movie for what it is. Hey Mystery Science Theater is popular for a reason right?

So here is the deal. I promise to do my best to write brief, to the point movie reviews in a non-pretentious way that will help you get the most out of the movies you watch. If after reading one, you feel that the movie isn't your thing, rock on. Maybe the movie appears so lukewarm that its not worth your time. Or maybe it sounds so bad and nothing I do can put it in a good light, well that might be one you want to watch with your friends and have a good laugh. But like I said, there is value in more movies than most reviewers give them credit for.

All movie reviews will be half-baked. I wont go into too much detail or give anything away. Pithy and entertaining is all I'm shooting for.

I'll be writing my movie based content and reviews on all movies, past and current. I see no better place to start my first review than with my favorite movie of all time.

The year was 1985, the place Hill Valley...


-Movie Oven Staff