Friends with Benefits: I'm unsure

I didn't love it. But I didn't hate it. Somewhere between tolerated and liked.  It flirted with the traditional plots of any good rom-com (someone falls in love and it feels unrequited), though it took a more earnest approach to how that relationship evolves and matures.  To be fair, I have had many debates with friends about how it was the triumphant movie over No Strings Attached (I apparently am in the minority thinking FWB lost).

The Black List: Summer Bombs

I get the whole blockbuster season of the summer.  Eager boys riding their bikes to the local theater to watch nothing but stuff blow up and consume lots of sugar.  An expensive but profitable business model.  However, I am not a 13 year old boy.  Thus, the second installment of the boycott list Summer 2011:

Title	Rationale
The Change-Up	I really wanted to, I did.  But I have a sneaking suspicion that the funny parts are in the trailers, and the rest of the intended humor I would find unnecessarily disgusting.
Conan the Barbarian	I wasn’t interested in the first one, let alone a remake with an unrecognizable actor.  Had they cast Joe Manganiello, that would be a different story…
Cowboys & Aliens	And it had sooo much potential.  Great cast, zippy and unexpected twist on a classic premise… and yet this film just screams buyer’s remorse.  Considering the trailer’s lack of words, it still left a lot to be desired.
Green Lantern	I get that Ryan Reynolds wants to change it up, but he’s just so good at being understatedly funny.  As this looks like a hodge-podged plot for an unknown superhero, no amount of charm could save it.
Cars 2/Spy Kids 4/ The Smurfs in 3D	Aside from the fact there are too many numbers in their titles, I am just not the appropriate age for this. I like family movies as much as the next kid, but these seem a little too silly/ remedial (no Finding Nemo).

Larry Crowne: somewhat relevant

For something written by a middle-aged man, it was surprisingly hip.  Kudos to Tom Hanks.  It highlighted many of the generational differences between his character and the twenty-somethin’s of America.  Focusing on the somewhat capricious nature of kids today, when it rubs off on Larry and he finds his true passion, it’s a victory that everyone can enjoy. Though I’m a bit confused on the actual point of Julia Roberts’ character, the rest of the story was touching.  Not my favorite, but cute enough.

Verdict: you can wait (Netflix)

A Brief Note on the (Pre-)Sequel

There are some stories that are just that good.  It’s a fact.  Sometimes it’s because of the characters and sometimes it’s the plot itself.   And because they are so good, you want more: backstory, fiascos, triumphs and loves.  HOWEVER, not every movie can spawn a franchise.  Sometimes, it is meant to just be a movie.  You cannot feed me the exact same scenario and expect me not to be pissed.  I find it downright insulting when the powers that be (writers, producers, studios, etc.) just mail-in the movie and expect us to be happy.  Prequels and sequels require more than just the entertainment to original brought; it needs to enhance the franchise.  In other words, add value.  I should learn something new about Spiderman, Batman, Harry Potter, and/or Jason Borne.  Otherwise, don’t use the same flippin’ characters!  You know you’re wrong for that.  To be sure, I appreciate a franchise as much as anyone (Star Trek, Star Wars, Batman, etc.).  But there is a brand to maintain, or at least some pride.  

Harry Potter 7: Fantastic. Period.

Because there have been some artistic liberties taken with the Harry Potter series over the last decade, leaving out valuable and memorable connections between characters that validate the roles they play, I decided not to re-read the 7^th book.  Smart move.  Watching free of biases, I appreciated the story itself and the accompanying visuals.  To reiterate, really stunning effects.  I'm not sure if it followed the book to the letter (or fully explained when it half-heartedly did), but that was irrelevant to the story it told.  It definitely did the series justice, with enough action and story to truly make it an epic conclusion.

Verdict: Buzzworthy (Go for it!)

Transformers 3: 3>2 but…

So, after the second failed installment of this franchise, I seriously wanted to boycott this film on principal alone.  But I must admit, this installment’s attempt at redemption did add some goodwill towards robot cars.  While casting a super model female lead and having excessive body shots of her was unnecessary at best (she stays miraculously clean while running through a decimated Chicago), I was still amused by everything else.    While I teeter between amused by its ridiculous nature or by its entertaining qualities, at least it touches entertainment (which I could not say for the sequel).

Verdict: See at some point in time (Rent it)

X-Men—First Class: nostalgic fire

So, I found this one a 75/25; 75% rad, 25% unnecessary.  The rad part is the origins piece: dedicating an entire movie to backstories is always a good idea, and the fact that it tackles four well-known characters just adds to the awesomeness.  First Class explores Magneto’s hatred of humanity by demonstrating our shortcomings multiple times throughout the film.  The only downside of the film is the historical aspect (i.e. WWII).  One of the cool things about the X-Men saga is that it takes place in a non-descript time and place.  By placing this story firmly in our timeline, from the 40s to the 70s, forces us to evaluate the plausibility of the story rather than enjoy it in its own element (like Star Wars in a galaxy far far away…). 

Verdict: only if you’re a fan of the franchise (rent)