9

Visually, pretty cool (most likely if you have an HD TV). Too bad the movie is lame...
9 is about the future, a future of machines that have destroyed humanity. The thirst for technology that they have created has turned against them. All that is left to stop them are the numbered dolls, created by a mastermind. The characters all have different personalities (if you could call them that) and purposes. It sounds like it could have been a good si-fi movie, but the flatness of the 'dolls' 'personalities ruines it.
No emotion, no matter how hard they actors tried, which obviously was not very much. Almost NONE of the voices seemed to fit their characters. There were stabs at comedy here and there, I guess to show that they were some what human, but it did NOT work...at all.
The only character that seemed to do anything for the movie was #5, voiced by John C. Reilly. He had a voice that fit his character. He was the only one who had any emotion in his voice.
This movie is not worth seeing, unless you have a 3D Imax theatre in your home. To sum up this movie in one word it would be flat...just flat.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Classic Wes Anderson, people! The signature comedy, the one color theme (in this case orange, red, and gold), the long pauses, the lasting close-ups. You are aware of the clearcut personalities of the characters, almost imediatly. Sure some of the pauses are little too long, but somehow that makes it more unique, more appealing...to me at least.
A whole world is created by the detailed animation and recognizable characatures.
Cocky, handsome [Fantastic] Mr. Fox (voiced by the smooth, George Clooney) is nearing the end of his salad days. He has a family to look after and care for. His son, Ash (voiced by the awkward, Jason Schwartzman), is desperate to impress his father. But his father seems to be focused more on Kristofferson (voiced by Eric Chase Anderson), a cousin who has come to stay with them. It seems that Mr. Fox has replaced Kristofferson as his son. Mrs. Fox (voiced by the always original, Meryl Streep) is a sweet, dedicated housewife, who is worried for her husband's safety.
Mr. Fox longs to be the daring guy he used to be. But he, and his whole family, end up in trouble when he starts to get back into his old habits.
Anderson's comedy may be a little mature for children, although silly sometimes. And the plot may also be a little too slow and complicated for them. My 7 year old sister was not that impressed. I did enjoy watching it with my family.

Avatar

Directed by James Cameron, this film is part of the line of what can be imagined and still apply to reality.
The movie is more or less about connecting, or becoming one, with the earth/environment. Deciphering good from bad, right from wrong. When to take sides and why. Seeking the truth. A beautiful race of people, beautiful creatures, a beautiful language, a beautiful environment...but we come into their lives with greed, want, and anger, which ultimately leads to the destruction of beauty and everything pure. Sound familiar...trust me if nothing happens to our planet, it will.
The creatures in this movie move with lifelike grace, it is amazing really. In the beginning of the film the people/creatures were a bit jerky, but as the movie moved along the movements became more clear...and rarely can you make weird, animated sex hot. The art direction and animation were amazing, the setting, the spirits, the environment.
The movie was sort of lame beginning, but as it developed you got into it and wanted to find out what was going to happen next. The plot was a little predictable, but the way it was directed equaled it out.
This is a great excuse for a political movie, because it appeals to a large audience, kids, teens (like me), and adults, and it stills sends a message. It slips the message into your conciseness, without you really realizing it, but it will be there.

Ponyo

One of Hayao Miyazaki's most charming films, along with My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service. Ponyo is a goldfish child who "falls in love" with a little boy, named Sosuke, they go on a heartfelt journey to try and keep her from turning back into a fish.
Obviously Miyazaki's imagination is endlessly extraordinary. He is capable of creating the most captivating stories and characters over and over. The characters in this movie are realistic, especially Lisa, Sosuke's mother, voiced by Tina Fey. Mothers can relate to her. The film has a pleasant, warm feel to it. The comedy is whimsical and down-to-earth.
If I had to choose only one word to describe this film it would be fun. My whole family enjoyed seeing this movie. If you need something to do go see this movie just for the heck of it. I guarantee that you will leave the theater with a smile on your face.


P.S. If you enjoyed this movie then you should watch these films from Studio Ghibli as well: Kiki's Delivery Service, Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro (1988), and The Cat Returns