Erin Freize

It's been roughly a decade since I saw it, but with Captain America and Anna Farris, how can you go wrong? The premise is, she reads a Cosmo article about the number of sexual partners you've had, and for women, you're considered a sl#t if you breach 21. She counts them out, then realizes she's hit her quota, so she goes through a whirlwind of speed dates with past beau's to decide who to marry, and thus, stop her clock ticking. It's a bunch of fun, and since it doesn't take itself too seriously, it's fine for a first or second date. As per usual with Rom Coms, don't listen to the critics on this one. 17 out of 21 thumbs up.

Frank Grillo proves he has the bravado and charisma to star in action comedies, with muscles more pronounced than even Huge Jackedman and wit to rival the best one liners from Ahnold. The movie is written and delivered well, even if it borrows heavily from Edge of Tomorrow and their granddaddy, Groundhog Day. The convention of releasing two identical movies simultaneously continues, with Reynolds in Free Guy probably sharing plenty with this concept, but here it's about achieving the perfect day, like Murray's masterpiece. Frank's guy can only be redeemed once he's mastered the demons within, not just the repeated patterns of endlessly spawning enemies. Gibson plays an evil Republican ex Military baddie a bit too well, yet he lays it on a bit too thick. They chose not to give him any real depth or martial arts skill, so don't expect a shogun showdown. Watts shines as the brilliant scientist and not quite jilted ex wife. She knows there's more than machismo behind the brawn, and she's never really lost faith in her man, the father of their child. Like Cobra Kai and unlike the Tiger Woods HBO docudrama, one of the key story arcs is how Frank's character becomes a father to their son. He shows real heart in those moments where he learns how important they are to each other, and how he's taken that responsibility for granted. I watched all three with my father, which made it that much more special. Sure, there's a few cameos for Strong Female Characters, but sorry ladies all the rest are just fun filler along the way. This is a quintessential guy's movie, so if you're looking for something gushing with estrogen, there's plenty of Korean streaming garbage available. Overall, this is a blast from beginning to end. It looks fantastic, with incredible graphics and easy gameplay. Like most solid popcorn fare, don't think too much and your modern sensibilities won't ruin a clever, yet witty action movie. 4.25 stars

Xolo is a star, and pulled off his first blockbuster like a champ. This was a thrill a minute blast, with plentys of laughs. My 15 year old niece and I had a ton of fun, and love Cobra Kai, too. The plot moves right along, in a Miami, Key West acropolis where our hero's family is from the wrong side of the tracks. Jamie gets home from college to find bad news, they'll be homeless soon, unless he saves the day. He joins his sister as the wealthy Lord family servants, cleaning their deck chairs. He steps in between a family argument, and shows Jenny Kord he can be a handsome hero. She trusts him with a family secret, and he is chosen to wield it's power. He fails, surprises and just makes us invested the whole way. Oh and George Lopez as loco tio is hilarious. I'd give it 7.5/10 easy

Babylon immediately shows us the decadence of Hollywood. Raging orgies, madness and excess on full display, in all it's horrible majesty. We see an epic war picture get filmed, extras be damned, all for a gorgeous shot of the hero conquering his bride, and simultaneously a young starlett makes love to the camera, shaking her money maker. When talkies emerge, the landscape changes. We watch a Mexican producer do anything to keep the picture going and that same Scarlett starlett suffer through fame and blow through her good fortune. In a terribly powerful scene, Toby MacGuire looks devilish in white powder, hiding bloodshot eyes. He takes our hero down to Dante's depths, to see how new Hollywood gets it's kicks at a freak show. Brad Pitt's character comes to grips with his fate, trading his dignity for one more shot at the spotlight. He accepts his fate the way other fading stars do. In the end our hero returns to Hollywood after being exiled in Mexico, where he found honest work and raised a family. He remembers the glory days, his role in making pictures and he smiles

I don't think we need a DEI hire for MI6, but she's a good character. James Bond isn't just a super spy, he's into fast cars and fast, stunning women. I just doubt she's got the same charisma as Craig, who once again shines in his most famous role. The action is well paced, with plenty of practical effects and realistic stunts. The bond girls are beautiful, and Ana De Armas is amazing in her brief appearance. There's plenty to enjoy, and it's a fitting send off for The Modern Bond. There will always be villains who want to rule the world, but strong men like James show us how traditional values still win the day. Keep it that way!

Some say this might be the best action picture ever. Damsels in distress, others that kick butt and take names... Hopefully Mrs. Hunt. Let's face it, the man deserves a happy ending. It was really thrilling, with well paced action and well placed exhibition scenes. Tom Cruise still seems sprightly, but there's power in his moves, something Harrison Ford can't do without special effects. The stunt work was incredible and I often thought the stars were in real peril while making this, and loving every scene. I appreciate the newer characters, including Paris, who has her moment to shine. This franchise has been amazing, and fortunately not Too Fast, like some car chase movies. I saw it with my nephew, his first MI movie. I can't wait to show him its predecessors!

James Gunn brings the fun! Some tearfull moments for animal lovers of all ages, and a funny f bomb thrown in for the older viewers, or those just old enough to watch. Rocket was the star of the show, with the leader Pete along for the ride. He's still my favorite character, even though the furry guardian melts the hearts of most 14 year olds. There was a good message throughout of family bonds, however mangled they may form, and plenty of heart felt moments with goofy gags along the way. Excellent way to close out the series, but I'm sure we'll see these characters in future Marvel projects.

Scarier than The Shining by Stanley Kubrick? Maybe, if you're worried about infant abduction or missing children. I wasn't yet blessed with toddlers of my own, so I found it frightening fun. The stars really shine, including the three main characters, one goodish guy, one bad gal and ultimately our hero. Some might feel it strays too far from King's source material, but we know The Hotel still exists. In fact, I visited the original while on vaca in CO. Overall I enjoyed the ride, whether in the back of a nondescript van or hurtling through time and space on gossamer wings, it's a bunch of fun... So long as you don't believe this world celebrates vampires