State of Play

There's nothing like a good old fashion crime thriller to sooth the soul. "State of Play" is just what the doctor ordered. Sure it's not the deepest or most ambitious who-done-it you're likely to see, but it just seems to hit all the right notes we've come to expect from the genre: high tension, great performances and a plot with a few solid head-spinning twists. This thing will keep you guessing until the end. This is a thoroughly enjoyable flick that is definitely worth a look.

Bryce ***
Chase ***

BANGERANG SCORE: ***

The Princess and the Frog

It's been a quite a while since Disney released a full-length, hand drawn feature film. There's a reason they stopped. The last few offerings from the studio were less than compelling and seemed to decrease in quality with each release (see: Home on the Range). Because of that downward trend, there was plenty of doubt to go around about this one, Disney's supposed return to form. Thankfully, those doubts were unfounded - Disney is back. While "The Princess and the Frog" may not be on the short list of the greatest Disney animated films ever, it belongs in the same category. It's got the look, the feel, and the humor we've all come to expect from the brand. The only thing I felt was lacking was a collection of memorable musical numbers. The songs were servicable, but nothing people are going to be humming afterwards. That being said, props to Disney for showing the world it's still got the magic! I hope this is the first of many.

Bryce ***

Chase ***

Landon ***

Logan ***

BANGERANG SCORE: ***

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

The first thing that needs to be established is that the first "Transformers" movie was actually pretty good. Sure it had all the staples of a standard, obnoxious teen movie, but watching those giant robots transform and battle each other via spectacular special effects was just plain cool. The Shia LeBouf as the high school kid trying to help these extraterrestrial super weapons save the planet worked as well. But the magic has faded to say the least. "Revenge of the Fallen" is one of the worst movies in years. From the sexual innuendo that middle-school age kids crave to a sense of humor only a ten-year-old could fully appreciate, the second Transformers film is underwhelming at best - offensive, stupid, and excruciatingly long at worst.

Bryce *
Landon *

BANGERANG SCORE: *

Avatar

"Avatar" is one of the most amazing looking movies ever made. It's that simple. The obvious amount of time and talent that went into crafting this living, breathing sci-fi world is nothing short of mind-blowing. The digitally rendered images blend seemlessly with the live action elements of the film to create an unparalleled level of believability. In short, the look of the thing is worth the price of admission alone. What's frustrating about the film is that director James Cameron didn't burn as much time or resources on the story and characters. The narrative feels very familiar and much of the dialouge, especially from the villians, feels like it was ripped from a video game. Certainly a movie of this magnitude deserved more! Complaints aside, this one is definitely worth a look.

Bryce ***

Chase ***

Landon ***

Logan ***

BANGERANG SCORE: ***