There are films that touch us. Films that inspire us. Films that teach us and films that transport us. Then there are films that are made entirely to entertain us. And so begins those movies known as the summer blockbusters. Those effects driven, off the wall plot lined, never could happen in a million years flicks that kick us in our popcorn filled stomachs with adrenaline fueled action. And hopefully they give us our moneys worth. This season starts smart with a well loved character and a background sown in marvel pages. That steel clawed, Gillette avoiding mutant, Wolverine.

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I have noticed over the years that, like music, movies need to have a rhythm in order to truly work. Maybe not a rhythm you hear but one you certainly must feel. I first realized this a few years back in a phenomenal film called Little Miss Sunshine. When I asked the filmmakers about this rhythm they told me that they had used certain drum beats throughout and had focused as much on the rhythm as they did on the look of the film. Did it work? Considering it was one of the highest nominated films in 2007 I would guess, yes. (more)

The best thing about the crowd-pleasing new movie Fighting is well, the fighting, though its story lacks punch. Starring hunk-of-the-moment Channing Tatum in a scrappy Rocky-rip off , the script is clichéd, sloppy and unrevealing, but Fighting is entertaining enough to please those looking for some bloody, bare-fisted (and for the ladies, bare-chested) action. It also helps that the shallowly handsome Tatum is paired with a decent actor (Terrence Howard) and an even prettier young newcomer (Zulay Valez).

Small-town boy Shawn MacArthur (Tatum) has come to New York City with nothing. Hardly earning a living selling counterfeit goods on the streets, his luck changes when scam artist Harvey Boarden (Howard) sees his natural talent for streetfighting, and the two form an unusual partnership with Harvey’s promises of cold, hard cash.

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Growing up in small town America in the early 80's Sunday morning meant only one thing; WWF Wrestling on Television. My best friend and I would race home from Sunday School, plop down on the couch and engage with Macho Man Randy Savage, King Kong Brody, The Nature Boy Rick Flair and Andre The Giant. You could not convince us that every moment wasn't unscripted reality. These were tangible super heroes to us and we never missed a chance to root them on! (more)

I had forgotten how fun a good murder thriller can be when done right. That perfect blend of character acting, focused storyline and interesting twists that makes State of Play a must see. Directed by Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland) and starring Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, and Rachel McAdams it is more than just a political who-dun-it. I felt it a throwback to the notable newspaper films of the 70’s. Though a bit staged at times and agenda manipulative it still had the nuts and bolts to carry it through 2 hours without as much as a hiccup. The success is mainly due to the personable and comfortable acting of the main cast.

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It is funny the things I will do to postpone actually writing. Though I need to finish my review of STATE OF PLAY I find myself instead out here sharing with you fine people something that is quite trivial and possibly funny only in the depths of my own warped mind. Today's rabbit trail; Did you ever wonder how many movie plots are hinged on the slightest of inches or seconds? (more)

I must confess that I wasn't exactly eager to see "The Hannah Montana Movie." I'm not a fan of the Disney TV show nor do I really fit into its target demographic - girls ages 10-17, and star Miley Cyrus seems a bit, well, overexposed in so many ways. But one thing is for sure, the movie is a harmless, engaging and squeaky clean piece of fluffery that should please its target demographic. Cyrus herself is the right mixture of peppy and energetic, even when you know where the predictable, threadbare plot is going. (more)

I had high hopes for Observe and Report but they came crashing to the ground in no time. You know it is a bad sign when you look at your watch thinking the film has to be over soon and find you are only 25 minutes into it. This means you have at least an hour of mindless stupidity and bad acting still left to live through. (more)

You've been down this road before. Three times as a matter of fact. The makers of "Fast & Furious" don't want you to call it "The Fast and the Furious" or "Fast & Furious 4" - just "Fast & Furious." I call "Fast & Furious" big, mindless, dumb entertainment that will make carloads of cash for its producers. It's filled with impressive car chases, stunts, sleek cars and handsome actors reading bad lines. In other words, get ready for one of the biggest hits of the year.

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Brent McCorkle has been making short films in the DFW area for sometime. His most recent endeavor, The Messenger, is in competition at The DoorPost Film Project. I caught up with Brent to ask him a few questions about this entry. Below is a small excerpt of that interview. You can view the entire conversation by clicking here. Also, be sure and watch this amazing 3 minute short here.
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