Movie Reviews

Contrary to popular belief, we don't enjoy bashing Lindsay Lohan for the heck of it. We'd like to see her get her act together, and we really wanted to like Liz & Dick.

It just wasn't good. At all.

The actress' absurdly-hyped-up Lifetime TV movie was allegedly “based on a true story.” If so, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's story was likely much more interesting.

We know it's Lifetime. They're not trying to win any awards with melodramatic, overly-acted films.

Therein lies Liz & Dick's biggest problem, however: When it came to Lindsay Lohan as Elizabeth Taylor, there was no drama or acting to speak of.

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Let's be honest: it doesn't matter what any critic says about Breaking Dawn Part 2. The movie will be a mammoth success.

But once you get past the Kristen Stewart scandal and stop analyzing every scene between her and Robert Pattinson, is the movie itself worth the price of admission?

Yes, this is a strong conclusion to The Twilight Saga.

Let's start with Stewart as Bella, a new vampire, bloodthirsty and ravenous. The actress excels in such a role, leaving behind the awkward glances and pauses that fans have come to know and sort of love from the first set of films.

She's on the prowl here, and it's a pleasure to watch.

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The Avengers is not only a superhero movie for the ages, it is a pretty fantastic stand-alone film, regardless of the genre.

So states our pals at Movie Fanatic, whose Avengers review is just one of a number of enthusiastic critiques across the board for this Marvel-based ensemble blockbuster.

The film has already raked in hundreds of millions around the globe and is likely to break some major records in the U.S. this weekend.

The Avengers Trailer (Official)

What, exactly, are critics saying about the teaming up of Iron Man, Captain America and company? Consider these excerpts from the most glowing reviews:

It's two-plus hours of visual brawn, unexpected heartbeats and welcome humor. - The Denver Post

Comic geeks can collectively sigh with deep relief: Joss Whedon has taken their beloved Avengers and given them back a well-directed, action-packed, brilliantly written film. - Movie City News

A superpowered crowd-pleaser, Marvel's The Avengers wows its way into comics-to-film history as one of the greatest popcorn flicks of its era. - TV Guide

What makes this anticipated film so absorbing is how the heroes' internal battles are often more pronounced than their external ones. And when these troubled people interact, it's electric. - Kansas City Star

Did you attend a midnight showing of The Avengers? If show, chime in below with your own take!

Technically and stylistically, David Fincher's adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo should thrill fans of the Stieg Larsson book trilogy and newcomers alike. Simply put, the director's dark vision and aesthetic brilliance make for a movie marvel.

Casting, of course, plays a huge role in the film's success, especially when the subject has already been tackled successfully by Swedish filmmakers with Noomi Rapace as the lead.

In the U.S. version, Rooney Mara is scary good as Lisbeth Salander.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trailer (Extended)

Mara's bravado is explosive and the actress deserves serious consideration for an Academy Award nomination. Throughout The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, it is difficult to take one's eyes off of Mara, no matter how much takes place around her.

Daniel Craig is also outstanding as the co-protagonist, a journalist recently disgraced for libel. For a full breakdown on why this is one of the best films of this (or any) year, just follow the link for Movie Fanatic's The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo review!

Let's face it: you are going to see Breaking Dawn. It doesn't really matter if every critic give it a worse grade than Jack & Jill. It's really only a matter of how many times you attend a showing this weekend, not whether or not you choose to do so.

Still, what sort of expectations should you have for Edward and Bella's big day? Will it meet expectations?

Breaking Dawn Clip: Edward Defends His Family

Yes, says our friend, Joel Amos, of Movie Fanatic.

The wedding scene is a beauty to behold," he writes, adding that "fans will be all sorts of a twitter" as they watch this beloved couple exchange vows.

Taylor Lautner, meanwhile, "excels in capturing a man," someone truly coming in to his own, both physically and emotionally, while "living at a crossroads" due to his unrequited love for Bella.

Don't expect much action in this second-to-last installment of the franchise, but true Twihards will be happy that Breaking Dawn remains true to the book and to Stephenie Meyer's's vision.

HEAD OVER TO MOVIE FANATIC NOW AND READ THIS REVIEW IN FULL!

It's shaping up to be a busy weekend at the box office and our partners at Movie Fanatic have reviewed all the new offerings in advance of their Friday openings.

Let's get right to it, shall we?

The Immortals: Director Tarsem Singh's latest film, shot in spectacular 3D, presents a unique take on Greek mythology amidst a sweeping Renaissance landscape.

Theseus (Henry Cavill) is a poor man with stellar warrior skills thanks to intense training by a mysterious older villager. Mickey Rourke is King Hyperion, a vengeful ruler bent on not only all the land, but bringing down the Gods themselves.

The visual effects and cinematography are stunning. Check out the trailer for the film below, then read The Immortals review at Movie Fanatic for more insight.

The Immortals Trailer

J. Edgar: Clint Eastwood's J. Edgar is slow at times in typical Eastwood fashion, but with Leonardo DiCaprio as the title character, still ends up being a solid film.

Encompassing decades of this icon’s life, DiCaprio meets the challenge of a broad project and deserves an Oscar nomination for Best Actor as J. Edgar Hoover.

Read more about it in Movie Fanatic's J. Edgar review.

Jack and Jill: Adam Sandler movies hold a special place in many an audience member’s heart. Jack and Jill should land right in the wheelhouse of fan expectations.

It's a story of fraternal twins ... both played by Sandler. We don't really need to explain further, but follow the link now for Movie Fanatic's Jack and Jill review!

Which of these films do you think you might check out?

It's shaping up to be a busy weekend at the box office and our partners at Movie Fanatic have reviewed all the new offerings in advance of their Friday openings.

Let's get right to it, shall we?

In Time Trailer

In Time: Justin Timberlake headlines this action packed, sci-fi thriller from Gattaca mastermind Andrew Niccol. It's a true mind-bender that asks the question:

What if money was replaced by time?

Amanda Seyfried co-stars in a movie that will make you think much of the time without wasting a second of yours. Check out Movie Fanatic's In Time review.

The Rum Diary: This Johnny Depp picture is not a blockbuster for everyone, but for fans of the star and the late Hunter S. Thompson, The Rum Diary delivers.

As Movie Fanatic's Rum Diary review notes, it's a work that blends powerful messages with complex performances from its cast and an exquisite '60s feel.

Puss in Boots Trailer

Puss in Boots: An odds-on favorite to run away from the box office competition, Antonio Banderas brings his swashbuckling Shrek character back for the lead role.

Adventurous, sweet and uncannily smart in its introduction of new characters such as Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) and Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis), Puss’ origins story takes audiences back to the beginning and is fun for all ages.

Follow the link now for Movie Fanatic's Puss in Boots review!

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It's shaping up to be a busy weekend at the box office and our partners at Movie Fanatic have reviewed all the new offerings in advance of their Friday openings.

Let's get right to it:

The Thing: Not a remake but a prequel to the 1982 masterpiece by the same name. The Thing of 2011 depicts the dawn of the horror that ransacked Kurt Russell’s world, and terrifyingly so. Movie Fanatic's The Thing review explains why.

Footloose: Why remake a classic? Because Kenny Wormald is a terrific modern day Ren and Julianne Hough can sing, dance and act her tail off. Movie Fanatic's Footloose movie review says the 2011 version is - believe it or not - a must-see.

Footloose Movie Trailer

The Big Year: Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson play birdwatchers in this unique buddy comedy about pursuing dreams, regardless of what the naysayers around think. Follow the link for Movie Fanatic's review of The Big Year.

Texas Killing Fields: Based on a true story about a serial killer dumping bodies in a swath of desolate land in Texas, with Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Sam Worthington tasked with stopping him. Follow the link to read Movie Fanatic's Texas Killing Fields review.

Real Steel, starring Hugh Jackman as a former boxer with one more shot at a title, is a surprising triumph of the spirit that will not disappoint audiences.

We say surprising because its premise of boxing robots is a little out there. Jackman's performance is so strong, though, that he can carry the storyline.

As Charlie, a former boxer who came close to being a champ right as the sport of boxing moved from humans to robots who can inflect more damage - something for which the futuristic public was yearning - he's a hero we can all get behind.

It's a surprisingly fun and wild ride. Check out the trailer for the film below, then follow the link for Movie Fanatic's official Real Steel review!

Real Steel Trailer

A pair of much-anticipated films hit theaters today. What did we think of 50/50 and What's Your Number? Both comedies succeed, albeit in different ways.

Actor Seth Rogen and writer Will Reiser lived the experience portrayed in 50/50, at once a comedy about cancer (that actually works) and a poignant story.

With Joseph Gordon-Levitt portraying Resier's cancer patient and Rogen as his BFF, the pair combine to bring audiences an astounding character study.

50/50 Trailer

Knowing that much of this took place in real life only enhances a movie of surprising depth. Follow the link to read Movie Fanatic's official 50/50 movie review.

Far less original but still entertaining is What's Your Number?

That's not a question we're asking, the punctuation mark is part of the title of this film starring Anna Faris and based on the book 20 Times a Lady.

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