A friend at work told me about this new movie that’s coming out called Tropic Thunder, starring Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. Now, the movie would be worth seeing based solely on the fact that Jack Black and Ben Stiller (in this order) are in it. However, after seeing the movie Iron Man with Robert Downey Jr., I think this movie will just be that much better.

In this movie, Ben Stiller is an action star, Jack Black is a comedic actor and Downey Jr. is the more serious drama type actor. I’ll let you get the premise of the movie from the following trailer, but I’m most looking forward to seeing Downey Jr. play a black man. Take a look:

Now, I don’t really see any downside to this movie which makes me a little leary since I would hate for this to be a movie where all the actually funny parts are in the trailer. I’m going to assume though, that this will not be the case and will therefore give it the following rating: 9/10

UPDATE: There’s one more thing I wanted to add about this movie. Brandon T. Jackson is also in this movie, probably best known for his performance in Cuttin Da Mustard, but it’s his character’s name in Tropic Thunder that I thought was important to share. It’s Alpa Chino.

My wife is really into fantasy books and movies (no, not that kind of fantasy…), the kind with dragons, wizards, dwarfs and the like. I, on the other hand, am not at all into this type of thing. I don’t ever see myself reading these types of books, but I will be convinced to watch such a movie on occasion. And about a week ago was one of those occasions.

My wife really wanted to watch the movie Stardust that is based on a book she had already read. It was kind of a weird movie that had an odd premise, but I will say that it was at least entertaining. There is some magical world on the other side of a wall over in England. A star (which is actually a girl) falls from the sky and there are multiple subplots of different characters looking for this star, all for different reasons. It has the usual elements of a fantasy movie, and you’ll probably like it if you’re into that type of thing.

You might want to read Stardust, the book before you watch the movie, but that’s a personal choice. From what I’ve heard, the movie does change a few things and it’s obviously not as detailed as the book, but it’s entertaining all the same.

So, would I watch the movie again? Most likely not, but that’s due to a lack of interest in the genre on my part. I know my wife would watch it again though. So at least it’s not an all around bad movie.

Over the Christmas break I saw the new National Treasure movie with my family. It was an entertaining movie and pretty well done, but I don’t think it’s as good as the first. It was pretty formulaic and not as intriguing as the first one was. The acting was pretty good though and I’d say that the movie is worth seeing. So if you’re looking to kill a couple of hours you could do worse.

The other night my wife and I watched National Treasure again. It’s a pretty good movie on it’s own, but I can’t help but remember that it came out around the same time as the Davinci Code when everyone was obsessed with secrets, codes, and secret societies. We watched to movie though, because my wife really wants to see the new National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

Like the previous movie, this film will star Nicolas Cage and he will go on another treasure hunt filled with secrets and clues. It’ll most likely be a fairly entertaining movie. I’m sure there will plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience guessing and plenty of semi-interesting history/trivia. I’m also expecting pretty average action sequences. Nicolas Cage isn’t exactly known for his uncanny ability to pull off exciting action scenes. I need only point you to Ghost Rider.

If you’re looking for a decent movie to watch this weekend, you’ll probably find that with this movie. I’m looking for it to be about a 7 out of 10. I probably won’t watch it until it comes out on video, but you can just check out my other blog for why.

When you think of the various forms of entertainment that are available these days, movies are near the top of the list. It’s pretty much become the norm to see a movie or two per week and perhaps more. For this reason, I thought I would periodically give you my thoughts on a movie that I’ve seen and maybe even some that I haven’t seen. After all, this is an opinion blog.

As far as movies go, School of Rock ranks right up there with the best of them. It is extremely well written and features some of the greatest rock songs of all time from some of the greatest bands of all time not the least of which being Led Zeppelin. It also helps that Jack Black is the lead actor.

Jack Black plays the down and out Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who got kicked out of his band. In need of some cash, he poses as his roommate Ned Schneeblyto take a substitute teaching gig at a local prep school. He discovers a musically talented group of students which he forms into a band to compete at the “Battle of the Bands”.

Joan Cusack is also quite amazing in the movie and adds a much needed dimension to the film. Others starring in the movie are Sarah Silverman and Mike White who also wrote the movie. The kids in the movie are also very talented in their roles and not just musically.

School of Rock is a movie for every musician or fan of music. You will also learn about the bees knees, face melting, and the mysterious goblet of rock. You will also be exposed to an ancient technique called the power stance.

I finally watched the movie Blades of Glory with Will Ferrell. I had been told that this movie was a “must-see” and now that it’s out on video I picked it up. Needless to say, it was everything we’ve come to expect from a Will Ferrell movie. I’m not, however, going to go through parts of the movie here or list any of my favorite parts. You’ve most likely already seen the movie so you don’t need a rehash. This post mainly serves as a notice that I have now seen the movie. So I now get it. That is all.

I’m not quite sure what got me thinking about this topic, but I’ve decided to put together the Top Five Greatest Fight Scenes. Fight scenes are an integral part of any action movie and often are the reason people go to see a movie in the first place. Honestly, what would some movies be without them?

Now, I’m not going to get into the decision process and the underlying criteria for these choices because they are what they are, the greatest fight scenes ever:

5. Nada versus Frank (They Live 1988): This is just an all out street brawl between ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper and Keith David. The fantastic wrestling moves are what put this scene over the top. You’ll have to watch it to appreciate it.

4. John Matrix versus Bennett (Commando 1985): Not only is this one of the greatest fight scenes of all time, Arnold delivers one of best lines at the conclusion.

3. Frank Dux versus Chong Li (Bloodsport 1988): This has all the elements of a great fight scene. Great martial arts screams, an emotional flashback, the Chong Li cheer, it’s all included.

2. The Transporter (2002): I thought about this one for a while, and I’m not able to narrow it down to one scene. It’s just too good. The double punch, the bike pedals, and who could forget the transporter move on the 18 wheeler.

1. Mr. Miyagi vs. the Kobra Kai (Karate Kid III 1989): I think my favorite part of this scene is the strategic turning off of the lights. It really sets the mood.