Monsters University (2013)

"Monsters, Inc." is not only one of my favorite Pixar films, but one of my all time favorite films. So, saying that I was nervous about seeing a prequel to such a great movie is a bit of an understatement. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how amusing "Monsters University" ended up being. I was very happy that they opted to cover Mike and Sully's past together instead of trying to make a sequel and ruining such a touching ending.

 Pixar has a knack for taking the losers and outsiders, and making it seem plausible that they could excel in whatever they put their minds to. Here it is no different as the Oozma Kaapa (OK) fraternity tries to win at their college's scare games against more qualified competitors. The relationship between the two main characters also feels organic, growing throughout the film, and never seems forced. Pixar, as usual, has put together a top-notch cast that features a slew of greats from top to bottom including Nathan Fillion, Dave Foley, Alfred Molina, and Helen Mirren, among others. Director, and co-writer, Dan Scanlon manages make the story seem new and exciting, though does his best to incorporate as many call backs to the first film without overdoing them (unlike many prequels).

Grade: A-
3D: Not necessary
Easter Egg: Yes. Plus there a some great jokes all throughout the credits.

Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Helen Mirren
Director: Dan Scanlon
Writer(s): Robert L. Baird, Daniel Gerson, Dan Scanlon
RT: 110 min
Rating: G

World War Z (2013)

I don't even know where to start with how disappointed I am with this movie. I put it on my "15 Must See Movies" this year, and I am kicking myself for it. Marc Forster is a very hit or miss director (having directed both "The Kite Runner" and "Quantum of Solace"), and this time he really missed the mark. The plot, and all character development, takes a back seat to a handful of chase scenes with a group of zombies that were far more comical than menacing. It's hard to tell if this was due to the script (which had roughly three names attached that I am very interested in), or just terrible pacing and editing. Also, with so many characters coming and going, and no depth to any of them, it's hard to pick out any performances that were noteworthy. Even Brad Pitt seemed like he was just going through the motions so he could collect his paycheck. Aside from a couple of decent thrills, and often impressive special effects, this movie offered very little.

Grade: D+
3D: Don't. Too much money for nothing special.
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz
Director: Marc Forster
Writer(s): Matthew Michael Carnahan and Drew Goddard & Damon Lindelof - Story: J. Michael Straczynski
RT: 116 min
Rating: PG-13 for intense frightening zombie sequences, violence and disturbing images

The Sapphires (2012)

Sometimes a film can get past its own predictability, and become a charming tale that can sweep you away for its duration. I'm happy to say that "The Sapphires" was one of those films. It is the story of three Aboriginal sisters, and their cousin, who are discovered in a talent show in Australia, and end up touring Vietnam for the troops. The simple script, co-written by the son of the real Sapphires, Tony Briggs, gives way to some dazzling music, and some marvelous acting. Chris O' Dowd (The IT Crowd, Bridesmaids) plays the ladies' manager with his normal dry wit, and a wealth of emotion. It is nice to see him branching out and taking roles like this. The oldest sister, Gail, is played with great gusto, and extreme force, by Deborah Mailman (Rabbit-Proof Fence). It truly is a fun piece to watch, but it is lighthearted, and easy to digest, so don't expect the world from it.

Grade: B
3D: N/A
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Chris O'Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy
Director: Wayne Blair
Writer(s): Tony Briggs & Keith Thomson
RT: 103 min
Rating: PG-13 for sexuality, a scene of war violence, some language, thematic elements and smoking

Man of Steel (2013)

What Zack Snyder, and writers David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan, have created with the reboot "Man of Steel" is nothing short of spectacular. It is moody, edgy, and introspective; however, it has a small tendency to lose its way in the narrative. This leaves it uneven in spots that could otherwise be very strong. This isn't a slight against the wonderful non-linear storytelling, but rather a complaint about the strength of the film's pacing. I would like to think this lies more in Snyder's direction (see: "Sucker Punch") than Nolan's story, or Goyer's writing. Their reboot of the Batman franchise was a near flawless origin story that was coherent and fun.

Henry Cavill, playing Clark Kent, gives a solid, heartfelt performance as a man who is unsure about his place in the world. His powers are a part of him that he isn't comfortable with, and it causes him to seek solitude. I really enjoyed Clark as a loner. It seems more rational than the tried and true version that most people are familiar with. As Lois Lane, Amy Adams is tenacious, and Michael Shannon playing General Zod is a true joy to watch. The heart of the film, and the true emotional center, belongs to Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, Clark's father. Though he seems to instill more fear in his son than understanding, you can tell he cares a great deal for him, and only wants to protect him from the dangers he will most likely face. With very little stumbling, and a little to much destruction, "Man of Steel" does little to rise above the superhero genre, but it will satisfy in many ways.

Grade: B+
3D: Not a Must
Easter Egg: This isn't a Marvel film.

Starring: Henry Cavill, Michael Shannon, Amy Adams
Director: Zack Snyder
Writer(s): David S. Goyer - Story: David S. Goyer & Christopher Nolan - Created by: Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster
RT: 143 min
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language