Salt

Salt is a new action thriller staring Angelina Jolie as CIA agent Evelyn Salt. It tells the story of Agent Salt and the accusation by a Russian defector that she's a Russian spy that's gonna assassinate people. Through out the movie she's on the run. And while she runs there are alot of twists and turns. Salt also features performances by Cotton Weary, aka Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

The best thing about this movie was the convincing acting performance by Angelina Jolie. I consider this possibly her best performance since Girl Interrupted. The quality of the other actors was good but hurt by some awkward writing and editing. Sometimes what they had to say didn't really fit the scene. There are some good action scenes but most of them aren't that believable. But I guess that's true in most movies.

The main problem I have with Salt is I was able to figure out what was gonna happen and who the bad guy(s) were gonna end up being. That really hurts a movie based heavily on plot twists. Overall, Salt is not a bad movie but it's not that great either. I would definitely give it a watch but save your money...

...FX/TBS IT.

INCEPTION

Inception is the latest movie from acclaimed director Christopher Nolan. It's a drama suspense film with some high quality action scenes. It stars Leo DiCaprio as the main character named Cobb. It also features a high quality supporting cast of Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Arthur), Ellen Page (Ariadne), Tom Hardy (Eames), Ken Watanabe (Siato), Dileep Rao (Yusuf), Cillian Murphy (Robert Fischer, jr.), Marion Cotillard (Cobb's wife Mal) and other great actors that pop up like Tom Berenger and Michael Caine.

The basis of the movie, put simply, is Cobb and his partners Arthur and Araidne are able to get into people's dreams and steal info. This largely done as espionage . But this is not the story really being told. Cobb has been falsely(?) accused of murdering his wife Mal. During the course of the movie she only exists in his dreams. Cobb wants to be able to get back into the US so he can see his 2 kids. But how to get past customs at the airport? Do a job for Siato against Fischer in which Siato agrees to make a 'simple phone call' on the plane to get past customs with no problem. This movie gets deep. Dreams within dreams within dreams deep.

I loved this movie! Inception has one of the most original and interesting stories I've seen. And it has acting through the roof performed by everyone on the screen. Chris Nolan knows how to get the best out of his players. It was wonderful for me to see DiCaprio and Murphy on the screen at the same time. I really enjoyed seeing Gordon-Levitt in a serious role. My main image I still had of him in my mind is from '3rd Rock from the Sun'. The way the movie feels makes it easy to tell this is a Nolan film. There are some specifics you can compare to his Bat-movies. The story changes quickly so try not to get up and go to the bathroom,etc while watching it because when you come back you won't know if what you're seeing is real or a dream or a dream within a dream. Furthermore I must state this film has one of the best final scenes I've ever seen! I think this is the best movie of the summer.

GO NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Predators

Predators is the latest movie based off the original classic 1987 film Predator. It stars Adrien Brody alongside Alice Braga. A key thing about this movie is that it ignores all the other sequels that have been released since the original film. AJ MR team member Jared saw the new movie on opening weekend, his review follows:

Predators is a top notch sequel to the long running franchise. The thing that sets this one apart from the drab and unnecessary sequels of the past is this one was especially made to be a sequel. You can tell that time and effort was put into making this a good Predator movie. The cast performed well and they were a good ensemble. You could really feel the tension between the different characters. The CGI was good and never unrealistic. Even the Predator's thermal vision got a new upgraded look which just added to the authenticity of it all.

The main thing that I was pleased with was with the way the first film was constantly referenced. Now, when I say that I don't mean that the characters talk about the original film every five minutes. There are subtle references that are sprinkled in along the way. Thebackground music is the same as the original and even some of the character's lines and actions are throwbacks to the original. And for those of you who have payed close attention to the original, stay for the beginning of the end credits, you should be in for a surprise.

Overall, Predators was a long needed jump start to the franchise that captures the magic of the original movie. If you have the time you should definitely..... GO NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get Him to the Greek - Quick Review

The comedy "Get Him to the Greek" was released to theatres about a month ago. It tells the story of a music business guy named Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) who's gotta get British rock star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) all the way from London (and everywhere inbetween) to LA's Greek Theatre for a concert to help generate money for the ailing music industry. Aldous is an out of control star with drug/alchohol problems who's inclined to party every chance he gets.

The humor involved is not bad. Though it's often strange and comes out of left field sometimes, it has it's funny moments. The main thing I liked about this movie was the direction it took in the final half hour or so. It became a little serious (without being too much) and address the issue of substance abuse and overcoming it. It also show the process of mending relationships and has a positive ending.

It's a good movie, would've been great if it had been just a little bit funnier (and maybe not so awkward).....RENT IT.