Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Ben Stein has produced a film that needs to be seen.



In theatres nationwide April 18, 2008.

For more information please visit: getexpelled.com

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry

I watched "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" starring Adam Sandler and Kevin James and the results aren't surprising.

The central plot of the movie is about a widowed fireman (James) who, fears the worst occupational hazard may occur leaving his two children orphaned and financially unsecured.

He asks his friend and fellow fireman (Sandler) to register as his domestic partner thereby allowing him to be responsible for the welfare of his children. Isn't he aware the same occupational risk remains? Circumstances actually lead these heterosexual men to be married (in Canada) and masquerading as a couple back at home for the benefits.

The only thing I can commend the filmmakers on is for not concealing the conflict between homosexuality and the Word of God. For example, a scene involving a group of people who hold signs expressing their concern, "Where Will You Spend Eternity". Perfect question, but sadly it is left unanswered. Was it just me or did the homosexual crowd comes across as vitriolic and intolerant?

I just saw a preview for "Walk Hard" where a priest gets punched in the face for exclaiming some music is that of the devil's. Though that viewpoint is flawed, I wonder why it's necessary to be included. Not my comedy and neither is this of "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry".

The Mist

Having directed the superb "The Shawshank Redemption" and the near perfect "The Green Mile", Frank Darabont is a fine choice for the latest Stephen King adaptation, "The Mist".

After a violent thunderstorm, David Drayton, (Thomas Jane, also in the "Dreamcatcher" adaptation) his son, and his litigious neighbor (Andre Braugher) stop at the town's supermarket for some supplies. However, a mysterious mist descending from the mountains is slowly heading their way.

A man, perhaps Richard Dawkins, breaks into the crowded supermarket, his face bloodied, warning the people to stay away from the mist. Some, overcome with fear, run out only for their last screams of agony to be heard. The townspeople suspect there was been an accident at the plant, but perhaps, the strong military presence spotted earlier indicates something else. Soon enough, strange creatures are seen coming out of the mist.

The creature effects in the first sequence are too computer generated to be believeable. The quality vastly improves later on as evidenced by the deadly species.

The most interesting part of the film is the way the human characters react to this invasion. Mrs. Carmody (Marcia Gay Warden) is determined the book of Revelation is being played out, plague by plague. I would surmise this woman may have been in a cult before the recent events. She believes she can earn her place in God's Kingdom. Always a sign someone is not a christian.

Other beliefs are expressed, for example, humanity is basically good; contempt towards politics and religion; God is not vengeful. All these are taken into consideration to form an escape.

The finale differs from the original story. It is satisfying, but ironic in the sense of a "Twilight Zone" ending.

Dark Tower anyone?

Transformers

The movie that re-establishes the summer action movie! Spider-Man 3 didn't suffice and I haven't seen Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End yet, but this one I plan to buy!

Shia LaBeouf is so good in this one he makes up for the I, Robot travesty. Megan Fox and Rachael Taylor are simply gorgeous! Industrial Light & Magic are back on track with superior effects.

I only wish the "S" word wasn't used as much, but the giant robot action is what defines this film. Plus, Megatron's voice by Hugo Weaving is so cool!

Ratatouille

Pixar has come a long way since Toy Story and their newest offering left me wondering why I didn't expect as much to begin with.

A couple of scenes stood out in my mind.

Remy the main character is describing to another rat how superior a certain food is describing it as "godliness". The other rat doesn't understand what that means and so Remy equates it with "cleanliness".

Another is when the main human character is shown empathy for his recently deceased mother, he reacts something along the lines of "It's okay, she believed in heaven and so she's got that covered".

Another scene is when the father rat says, "Thank God".

Kind of interesting! Overall, the animation is superb and the story is entertaining.