The Happening (2008)

Should I say it? Come on. Really? Has M. Night Shyamalan done it again? I'd say he has. Walking in with little to no expectations, well I had a few. The master of twists kept on twisting.
CREEPY, if you are freaked out by suicide and creepy old ladies. Beware! There is some intense visual elements in this film. hence the "R" rating. For his first "R" rated film he certainly went out with a bang! This film had me thinking for days about the "would if" factor of this highly improbable but slightly possible incident.
Markie Mark Wahlberg did a swell job, but he never strays far from the same kind of character. Zooey Deschanel was excellent, her and Mark played off each other very nicely and added some balance to the film. John Leguizamo's part was short lived. No pun intended, but really he did a great job.
So the plot, something is making people give up the will to live, the survival instinct. So by getting rid of this instinct people just start killing themselves. From shooting, to jumping off buildings to hanging or laying down in front of a riding lawn mower. CREEPY STUFF!!! So if you have enjoyed his films in the past you just might enjoy this one, and if you are not creeped out easily.
Shyamalan has his cameo at the beginning, you wont see his face but you hear his voice. See if you can catch it.

Matt Worley

The Incredable Hulk (2008)

Let me preface this by saying I have seen the film twice now. The first time was late one night while my wife was out of town. I headed down to the local theater and payed my money to the man. Going in with expectations high, due to the total failure of the last Hulk film and the total success of Iron Man. Needless to say I was very happy. The opening title sequence sets up the back story very well. They also touch on it through out the movie. If you were a fan AT ALL of the old TV series you will notice all kinds of references to people and things from that series. Lou Ferrigno has a cameo and of course Stan Lee.
From the beginning it was exciting, Edward Norton was a brilliant Bruce Banner, Yet again another wonderful performance. Liv Tyler was ok, all she has going for her is the pouty lip thing thanks to her father.
But back to the film. It was a ride I had to take twice, the villain was pretty wicked, his name is Abomination. Really there was nice character development and the tease at the end was something you need to see. So go check it out!

Matt Worley

WALL*E (2008)

It is not often that I get out on the opening day for a movie. Frankly, there just isn't that much time in my life. Last night was a unique experience as I was able to attend the 9:25 showing of WALL*E, the newest Pixar/Disney film.

The film was conceived off the idea, "What if mankind evacuated Earth and forgot to turn off the last remaining robot?" That's where WALL*E comes into play, his name is an acronym for Waste Allocation Load Lifter-Earth class. The movie follows his experiences after he receives a visit from EVE, a Earth Vegetation Evaluator and returns with her to where she comes from. That is about all I want to divulge on plot details. The story is light, funny, a bit romantic and a bit melancholy.

Visually, this is the most spectacular creation from Pixar to date. I attended a showing that featured digital projection which just complimented how stunning this film is to watch. There is very little dialogue, but believe me, you will not miss it. The film is definitely kid-friendly, but far from a kiddie film. The audience to best receive this film is over 25.

Pixar films have several ongoing themes running throughout them: nostalgia, consumerism, consumption and the need for conservation. All those themes come through strongly is the movie. (97 minutes, Rated G)

Mike Worley

WALL*E Widget