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Sometimes what makes a movie enjoyable is how it revels in its throwbacks. I'm not talking about those stupid parody films that are put out to make a quick buck (Vampires Suck, Not Another Teen Movie, etc.). I'm talking about films with actual plot lines devised by writers with characters that charm one moment and send you down memory lane the next.

Hot Tub Time Machine is a modern day, 80's throwback. It's plot is so 80's and it doesn't for one second think that's a bad thing. By embracing the corny, badly acted, sex filled romps that made some of the late 80's comedies almost unbearable without hard liquor, this film replaces the horrible acting with a group of comedic actors who are above and beyond those found in typical schlock of the period. Not to mention they throw in 80's teen icon (and fantastic actor) John Cusack.

The film plays off of two types of comedy here. Whereas the 80's films that inspired this one were really about slapstick and nude women, Hot Tub Time Machine relies on modern day gross out comedy and idiotic situations (ala Will Ferrel-esque). There's a couple of romantic situations as well that are well done for a comedy like this. And of course, there's nudity and sex... because we couldn't have an official throwback to this sub-genre without it.

This one scores a solid 7 out of 10. Let's hit the stats.

Language: Rife! Like most comedies today, unfortunately aimed at teenagers, this one is filled to the brim with the most foul language you can think of and that includes descriptions of sexual acts.

Violence: There's some fist fights but most of the violence is slapstick. A few may find the running gag of a bellhop losing an arm a bit too much.

Sex: There's several sex scenes and a couple of scenes involving nudity. They last a bit longer than they should and honestly, the film could've been a bit stronger without as much of it.

Positive Themes: Despite being a slapstick, gross out comedy, there is quite a bit one can gleam if you work hard enough to see past the jokes. The characters all want to change their lives by living in the past and in the end they realize that they had the power to do that all along.

Negative Themes: Drugs and alcohol abuse are the main offenders. Suggested suicide can also be thrown in as well.

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Fo' real, suckas! The best blaxploitation parody in years! Though the film features brilliant writing you'd really have to be a fan of I'm Gonna Get U Suckas or the underrated gem Undercover Brother or at least seen a few blaxploitation films to really get the well done jokes and nods in this film.

Blaxploitation cinema was big in the 70's. The films were often made for what we would consider pennies today and they often looked like they were made for pennies too. Black audiences didn't care much though. These films brought strong black men and women to the big screen and created ghetto heroes for young kids to look up to.

Black Dynamite takes all that was poorly executed and puts it back onscreen with a loving tribute to those characters and the way those films were made. It's a truly fun film especially for those in on the joke.

I'm giving this one a 6 out of 10.

Language: Quite a few F bombs are dropped.

Violence: It's mild and mostly for comic effect.

Sex: A blaxploitation parody wouldn't be complete without a bedroom romp and some nudity.

Positive Themes: This is really to silly to be taken for anything serious.

Negative Themes: Again, really silly but there are a few pimps and pushers.

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First it was, Michael Bay had fired her for making comments about him being "Hitler-esque" on the set. Now it's her camp saying she left the project. Either way, what's more interesting is the recent information that keeps coming up about her thumbs.

She's beautiful and is considered by many to be the sexiest actress working today. So why, of all of the usual body parts guys might focus on do her thumbs keep coming up in discussions? Miss Fox apparrently was born with a genetic issue in regards to her thumbs. It's not harmful to her health, nor will it create any issues later in life. What it does do is alter the shape of her thumbs. See below:

File this one under E's Believe It Or Not. Either way, she won't be chased by robots anytime soon. That's been confirmed.

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Let's talk about marketing for a second. How do you effectively market a movie that is about kids becoming superheroes to fight real crime in New York without any super powers? The first answer is: not like Lionsgate did. The second answer is: you don't make it look like every other comic book movie out there.

In most cases those marketing tricks could be pulled off. In this case it literally puts an audience in harms way. This film is gritty and violent and all of the violence being done is by kids or by drug dealers. It's real stuff and despite the awesome and stylish way the violence is shot, it stills packs a punch.

The characters are fantastic. The actors will never see a chance to do something like this ever again and you can tell they are relishing every onscreen moment. Unfortunately I can't recommend this film for fear of feeling guilty. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and was thrilled with what new elements it brought to the screen but I can't honestly say you should go see this film.

In fact, all I can say is: I'm giving this one a 7 out of 10.

Language: Strong R, f-bombs are dropped frequently.

Sex: A simulated sex scene while fully clothed, a lot of voluptuous cleaveage close ups and a masturbation scene.

Violence: This movie excels in this department. Take a little bit of Death Wish, a dash of Kill Bill, throw in some John Woo and that's about what you've got.

Positive Themes: Our hero is a genuine guy whose intentions are really just to help others. As bizarro as the father/daughter relationship is, it's very strong and endearing.

Negative Themes: Kids with guns and knives, drug dealers, lying, betrayal and so much more!

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Up In The Air tells the story of a man in his late forties who has spent most of his time travelling, collecting miles and keeping a safe distance from anything that might weigh him down: including family, friends and love.

George Clooney plays the role and just like most films he's in he instantly embodies the character. The film is well written, well acted and deserves to be seen by two types of movie-goers: those looking for a movie that offers substance and a little something unique, and those who do a bit of traveling themselves.

The film has it's flaws but it's so darn refreshing to see a film that's not typical Hollywood that they are easily overlooked. Don't expect a wham-bam, action packed movie or a laugh out loud slapstick either. It's a thoughtful film that has a lot to say and does a great job of leaving you with something to ponder long after you hit the stop button on your DVD player.

I'm giving this one a 6 out of 10. Let's hit the stats.

Language: The f-bomb is dropped more than once but is used out of frustration or anger and not in a sexual sense.

Sex: Brief nudity and an after sex scene.

Violence: Nada.

Positive Themes: The power of human connections, love, respect, loyalty are just some of the themes here.

Negative Themes: Betrayal and suicide.

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Usually a horror fan like myself has a list of top three slasher movie killers. Just so you know, here's how mine stacks up: 3. Jason 2. Freddy 1. Michael Myers

Now that that's out of the way, let's dig in, shall we? I honestly believe that this is the first remake to come out of all this remake crud in Hollywood that seems to respect the material that was in the original. Most of the fanboys, including myself, will tell you that the original 1984 film is still the best version. But can you really imagine us saying anything else? Even if the remake was a 10 out of 10 we'd still hold on to the original as tops. So let's start from there then.

The new Nightmare has a new Freddy, and man is he creepy. Jackie Earle Haley knocks it out of the park on this one. Not only does he manage to make Freddy actually scary again (as he was in the original) he adds his own touch to it without demeaning all of the amazing work done by Robert Englund (the original Kreuger).

I think the key to this film was realism, believe it or not. The teens aren't overly beautified. They seem like real teens. That said, their characters could've used some beefing up a bit. They do film sort of one dimensional, but not like those in a later installment of a Friday the 13th.

There are some nice scenes derived from classic ones in the original with a spin. The director has done a nice job here, it's really the script that needed a little work. Visually the film is a blast.

I'm giving this one a 5 out of 10. Let's hit the stats.

Language: No more than the original. It's R-rated, but doesn't push it.

Violence: Plenty of it, but not as gory as you'd think.

Sex: None. The classic bath scene gets reinvisioned but no nudity is involved.

Positive Themes: The parents in this film are actually fairly decent people, protecting and loving their kids.

Negative Themes: Child molestation, murder and drug use.

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Yes, I too scoffed at the idea of digging up the Scream franchise and trying to milk it for blood money. But let's look at the positives:

1. Wes Craven will direct. For better or worse, at least there's a visionary behind the lense.

2. Kevin Williamson is writing. It was his skill that brought us the game changing original.

3. The principal cast are all returning...except for Randy. (Crap!)

So, there you have it. Three reasons to look forward to this latest entry. I'll write soon with reasons to steer clear coming soon. I guarantee it'll be a longer article. :)


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