Toy Story 3

The question of whether or not the wizards at Pixar could crank out a third great "Toy Story" movie has been answered with authority. Of course they can - they're Pixar. "Toy Story 3" is one of the best movies the studio has ever produced and is an extremely satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. It's funny, looks great and has a heart the size of a bowling ball. A few of the plot elements may be similar to the second installment but the way the movie wraps up these character's story is perfect. This is a fantastic film that just may be the best in the series.

Bryce ***1/2
Chase ***1/2
Landon ***1/2
Logan ***1/2

BANGERANG SCORE: ***1/2

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

It may not be high praise, but "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" is, by far, the greatest video game adaptation ever made. Given the pathetic history of movies in that category it only has to be a decent movie to clinch that title. Let's start with the pros. The visuals effects and production design are incredible to watch, the action sequences are surprisingly stellar, and Jake Gyllenhaal does a good job in the title role. On the flip side, the supporting characters are dull (and lazily named) and the story is way over the top. If you can look past that and focus on how the movie looks, you'll have a good time with this one. For me though, it falls somewhere in between.

Landon **1/2
Logan **1/2

BANGERANG SCORE: **1/2

Iron Man 2

Let's just get this out of the way: the original "Iron Man" is a great film.  One of the best superhero movies ever made.  Riding the heels of a movie like that certainly raises expectations and "Iron Man 2" fails to meet them.  While the special effects are as exceptional this time around as they were in the first film, it's the story and especially the dialogue that fall short.  The snappy exchanges between Stark and the crew really made the first movie stand out from your typical superhero flick. The actors here do the best they can with what is ultimately an uninspired and overstuffed script.  The overall ride is still fairly enjoyable thanks to Downey and co. but it's still a missed opportunity that falls short of a recommendation from us.

Bryce **1/2
Landon **

BANGERANG SCORE: **

How to Train Your Dragon

First off, we have to emphasize that "How to Train Your Dragon" is the most visually impressive animated movie we have ever seen - and it's not even close.  From the amazing flight sequences to the incredibly detailed textures displayed in every frame, this thing was made for the big screen and needs to be experienced in the theatre.  The visuals may draw you in, but it's the story that makes this one truly special.  It tells a familiar tale of friendship with an uncommon amount of craft and heart.  The script may go a little too childish at times and a little too adult at times but the overall picture is outstanding. So see it. See it on the biggest screen you can find.  This is likely the best film Dreamworks has ever produced.

Bryce ***1/2

Chase ****

Landon ***1/2

Logan ***1/2

BANGERANG SCORE: ***1/2

The Best of 2009

The year 2009 is in the books.  That of course means that it's time for your friendly, neighborhood critics at Movie Bangerang to reveal what we thought were the year's best films.  Instead of individually listing our favorites, we decided to combine our lists.  It should also be noted that we will continue to see movies released last year as time goes on, so the list is subject to change.  We have decided, in our wisdom, to narrow it to five. Enjoy!


5. Avatar


It may not have been a perfect movie, but there's no denying it - "Avatar" is a thrilling and ambitious ride and is visually the most incredible movie out there.  This is a film that will be remembered for years to come and one that has earned a spot on our list of the best of the year.

4. The Princess and the Frog


While we have been getting nothing but non-musical computer-animated movies from Disney for quite some time, directors Ron Clements and Jon Musker brought back the old Disney feel with "The Princess and the Frog" and took us all back to the glory years.  Hopefully this level of excellence will continue in their future efforts.

3. (500) Days of Summer


A quirky, hiliarious, and insightful romantic comedy that never ceases to entertain.  Director Marc Webb uses a variety of storytelling techniques to drive this original and unforgettable film.

2. Star Trek


This is probably the most surprisingly good movie to come along in some time.  "Star Trek" is so brilliant and memorable in every way from the interesting characters to the awesome action scenes.  It's simply unbelievable that they were able to make a movie watchable and exciting to fans and non-fans alike.  This is a great sci-fi film.

1. Up

One of the most beautiful sequences in recent movie history sets the stage for a story that resonates with viewers young and old.  "Up" is one of, if not the funniest, best-looking, and most complete films Pixar has ever created.  It also happens to be the best film of the year.

(500) Days of Summer

Right from the get-go, this is a film that separates itself from the pack.  It establishes its quirky mojo right out of the gate and engages the audience the whole way.  This is a very real and relatable romantic comedy told in a very unconventional and hugely entertaining way.  From split-screens to musical numbers to dramatic reenactments, the movie keeps you hooked wondering not only what's going to happen next, but how the filmmakers are going to present it.  To boot, the whole story is told out of order!  Some of the dirty humor definitely could have been cut back a bit.  It feels a little out of place. Regardless, this is a funny and fascinating film that definitely deserves a look.

Bryce ***1/2
Chase ***1/2
Landon ***1/2
Logan ***1/2

BANGERANG SCORE: ***1/2

My Sister's Keeper

Where does "My Sister's Keeper" suffer? What was wrong with it? Some questions with answers that may or may not surprise a few. I have never read the book, so I don't know how well they compare. But I've seen the movie, and I'll tell you. Nothing was redeemable about it. Every character is annoying, it's oddly predictable, it's over-the-top sappy, and it is unbearlingly long. I could name a couple of more, but I think the point is clearly made.

Landon *1/2

BANGERANG SCORE: *1/2